Van Overwalle, Geertrui --- "The impact of emerging market patent systems on Europe: Awaiting ‘The Rape of Europa’?" [2013] ELECD 1392; in Abbott, M. Frederick; Correa, M. Carlos; Drahos, Peter (eds), "Emerging Markets and the World Patent Order" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2013) 355

Book Title: Emerging Markets and the World Patent Order

Editor(s): Abbott, M. Frederick; Correa, M. Carlos; Drahos, Peter

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781783471249

Section: Chapter 16

Section Title: The impact of emerging market patent systems on Europe: Awaiting ‘The Rape of Europa’?

Author(s): Van Overwalle, Geertrui

Number of pages: 14

Abstract/Description:

Once upon a time there was a Phoenician woman of high lineage, called Europa. Enchanted by her ravishing appearance, Zeus fell in love with her. Being audacious, Zeus conceived a plan to seduce and abduct her. He transformed himself into a tame, white bull and joined the herd that belonged to Europa’s father. When Europa and her female attendants were gathering flowers, Europa spotted the bull. Frightened at first, she overcame her fear, caressed his flanks, and eventually got onto his back. Zeus seized the opportunity, ran into the sea and swam, with Europa on his back, to the island of Crete. There he revealed his true identity. Europa became the first Queen of Crete. This wonderful Greek myth depicts the awakening love between Zeus and Europa. Does this myth also hold a message for the burgeoning relationship between Zeus, this time disguised as an Asian tiger, and Europe? And can the budding encounter between Zeus and Europe culminate in an intimate love story? Or is Europa on the edge of being raped again? Translated into more commonsensical parlance the question arises whether the spectacular patent surge from emerging markets, such as China and Korea, poses a threat to Europe.