Chapter 7 includes harmonized rules on application of copyright and related rights, as well as intellectual property rights.
The acquis on intellectual property rights specifies harmonized rules for legal protection of copyright and related rights. Specific provisions apply for protection of databases, computer programs, semiconductor topographies, satellite broadcasting and cable retransmission.
In the area of industrial property rights, the acquis sets out harmonized rules for protection of trademarks and designs. Other specific provisions apply for biotechnological inventions, pharmaceuticals and plant protection products. Also, the acquis establishes Community trademark and Community design.
Adequate mechanisms are required, in particular effective enforcement capacity, for implementation of intellectual property law at national level.