IP review calls for evidence

Professor Ian Hargreaves, who is leading the review, has published a document which sets out to ‘identify the barriers to growth and, where they exist, how to remove them’.

He says, ‘It is essential our conclusions are based on as broad evidence as possible. I would urge all interested parties to submit their views and help shape the recommendations of this report.’

The impact of the IP system on small and medium-sized businesses has been highlighted as an area of particular interest.

The call for evidence document can be obtained from http://www.ipo.gov.uk/ipreview/ipreview-c4e.htm, where questions are based around two lines of investigation.

These are: the success of new business models and whether the current IP system helps or hinders businesses as they adapt to the digital age and new entrants attempting to break into established markets, and how IP may form a barrier to progress.

The review asks, ‘What barriers prevent the effective exploitation of IP rights in creating growth?’