Patents
Patent offices of US and Europe seal landmark harmonisation deal
Bilateral work-sharing plan could open the way for fully integrated patent system between the two continents...  »
WIPO director calls for worldwide system of IP rules to quell ‘patent wars’
In a keynote address, Dr Francis Gurry suggests a solution to IP challenges posed by global markets...  »
Has Eolas web patents case delivered systems crash to NPEs?
A lawsuit with sweeping implications for ownership of online technology has mined the culture clash between non-practising entities and corporations, writes Matt Packer...  »
How safe are ebooks from illegal copying?
Publishing has enjoyed a far smoother journey into the electronic age than the music business. But that doesn’t mean it can be complacent about piracy, writes Matt Packer...  »
NESTA launches ‘Plan I’ to make up for UK’s ‘lost decade’ of innovation
Charity tables 12 recommendations for rebuilding the UK economy around an inventive infrastructure...  »
The Patents Bill finally gets a makeover in New Zealand
A reworking of the country’s patent laws promises tougher examination, a focus on cultural awareness and new exclusion requirements, writes Matt Adams of AJ Park...  »
The road to ridicule runs both ways
Taken to task by their peers for cutting-edge science and engineering, these four historic innovators proved that the joke is really on the ‘it-can’t-be-done’ crowd, writes Matt Packer...  »
Ruling could alter gene pool of US patent law
Much-anticipated outcome of case concerning patents on breast cancer genes may lead to wave of biotech filings...  »
EU swings and roundabouts hinder single patent’s approval
Matt Packer outlines the latest political manoeuvres that have left Europe’s unitary patent in limbo once again...  »
Grand visions for grander innovations
Large-scale, state-managed projects make impressive showcases for the inventive spirit – but only in rare cases are they impervious to external factors, writes Matt Packer...  »