December 2006 Gowers Review on intellectual property
Intellectual Property Rights: A Response to the Gowers Review
December 2006
NESTA broadly welcomes the recommendations made by the Gowers Review of Intellectual Property, but believes that the UK needs to go further in helping innovative businesses get the most from intellectual property.
'A balanced IPR system encourages innovation.'
We support the Review's recommendation to create model intellectual property (IP) contracts which will facilitate further open and collaborative innovation. Establishment of a European Community Patent will help UK businesses access international markets.
Increasing the flexibility of copyright will bring the law into line with existing practice and will promote new forms of creative expression.
In addition to implementing these, the government must confront the particular challenges faced by small businesses and the creative industries. Specifically, the cost of IP protection and defence should be reduced and businesses should be supported in developing a strategic view of their IP.
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Intellectual Property Rights: A Response to the Gowers Review (PDF, 89KB)