This book is designed to provide an introduction to an area of the law which even now remains a closed book to the majority of practising lawyers. Bankers are not expected to have an intimate knowledge of the law relating to intellectual property, but they should have, because customers are likely to own intellectual property rights which offer a valuable source of security for lending transactions. The banker dealing with clients who own intellectual property should be able to distinguish patents and trademarks, and appreciate what copyright may protect. This book is a valuable tool in this process. Finally, the impact of the European Union, which will radically reshape intellectual property laws in the UK in the next few years is considered.