The UK Patent Office should be reformed as the UK Intellectual Property Office and an independent Strategic Advisory Board on IP Policy should advise the government, according to the Gowers Review of Intellectual Property.
"In today's global economy, knowledge capital, more than physical capital will drive the success of the economy. Against this backdrop, IP rights, which protect the value of creative ideas, are more vital than ever," Gowers said as he delivered the report to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown and the Secretaries of state for Trade and Industry and Culture, Media and Sport.
Gowers, a former editor of the Financial Times, has identified three areas for reform, including increased strength for enforcing IP, extra support for British businesses using IP abroad and a balance to the law to encourage innovation. "The ideal IP system creates incentives for innovation, without unduly limiting access for consumers and follow-on innovators," he said.
Gowers suggests restructuring the patent office to provide better support for British businesses and to improve support, especially when dealaing with India and China.
UK IP laws should enable private copying for personal use and libraries will be allowed to copy material for preservation.
Full analysis of the paper will be in the next issue of IWR, click here to receive a copy.
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