2007年5月25日星期五

Gowers review of intellectual property from UK


In December 2005, the Chancellor and the Secretaries of State for Trade and Industry, and Culture, Media and Sport asked Andrew Gowers to "establish whether the (IP) system was fit for purpose in an era of globalisation, digitisation and increasing economic specialisation."

Andrew Gowers' answer is a qualified 'yes' in the Review published on 6th December 2006.

"I do not think the system is in need of radical overhaul. However, taking a holistic view of the system, I believe there is scope for reform to serve better the interests of consumers and industry alike. There are three areas in which the Review concentrates its recommendations to improve the UK framework for innovation:

1 strengthening enforcement of IP rights, whether through clamping down on piracy or trade in counterfeit goods;
2 reducing costs of registering and litigating IP rights for businesses large and small; and
3 improving the balance and flexibility of IP rights to allow individuals, businesses and institutions to use content in ways consistent with the digital age."

The Review is convincing due to its "evidence-based approach" and supplemental analysis from external experts, including examination of "economic impact of changes to the length of copyright term on sound recordings, and the question of orphan works". "The Review also consulted widely with a range of stakeholders in industry, academia and the public sector."

Listed 54 recommendations in the Review are of insight, and some are also valuable to China.

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) has published a timetable for the implementation of the Gowers Review recommendation.

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