The European Patent System is facing major challenges resulting from an extension of patentable subject matter leading to an increasing number of patent applications. The European Patent Office has responded with admirable flexibility, but continuing technological change and greater importance...

Part I: Franchising: Contract Design and Decision Rights; Incentives and Ownership Strategy; Strategy, Competition and Internationalization of Franchise Firms; Entrepreneurship and Franchising; Franchising and Regulation -- Part II: Alliances: Value Creation in Network Relationships;...

1. Introduction -- 2. Overview of Political Risks -- 3. Methods of General Risk Management -- 4. Create Transparency About Political Risks -- 5. Managing Tactical Political Risks -- 6. Managing Strategic Political Risks -- 7. Geographic Flexibility as a Key Strategy in Political Risk Management...