The Mondrian Cake: may Intellectual Property protect signature food?

Abstract

Taking the example of the Mondrian Cake, in this article we distinguish recipes from presentation of signature dishes, as well as cookbooks, menus and restaurants and aim to know what can be protected by Intellectual Property (e.g. copyright, patents, designs, trademarks, trade dress, trade secrets, general rules against unfair competition or even nondisclosure agreements and fiduciary duties). Regarding copyright, we emphasise the difference between USA and Continental Copyright approach. For situations where some kind of Intellectual Property protection is possible, we question enforcement and if all type of protection is desirable. What we conclude about food applies to beverages.