Technorati Tags: Anti-trust,competition
Read this article and liked it. Having worked in companies who have been embroiled in anti-trust allegations, the points made by the author resonate with me.
Read this article and liked it. Having worked in companies who have been embroiled in anti-trust allegations, the points made by the author resonate with me.
Like many countries, Singapore recognizes that geographical indications can identify the source of certain products. See the Geographical Indications Act (Cap 117B) of the Singapore Statutes. Before the Act became law, I recall having to advise on whether geographical indicia were enforceable in Singapore. At that time, there was on-going litigation in England and Australia. When the dust settled, it was clear that French winemakers had won the day. It was a novel argument at the time and it worked with great success.
Over the weekend, I came across this article in the Wall Street Journal where Savile Row tailors were arguing that “Savile Row” as a street is in itself a geographical indicia of high quality suits. Not only that, the tailors were also attempting to limit the use of the word “bespoke” to custom hand tailored suits and not ready-to-wear suits. Clearly, the liberal use of the “Savile Row” and “bespoke” is diluting the value of these craftsmen.
After reading the article, I have some sympathy for the Savile Row tailors. It is interesting to see whether a geographical indicia can get down to the street level of locale.
Long silence on this blog. Thoughts on that later.
Bought “The Public Domain by James Boyle” and have started reading it. Enjoying it so far. As a lawyer who has dealt with enforcing and emphasizing proprietary rights for all of my career, I am prepared to read the thesis espoused in the book with an open mind. In fact I am hoping to be swayed by it.
Having bought the book, I now realize that you can read it for free courtesy of James Boyle. Encourage you to do so.
Don’t think I’ll get my money back though.
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