The Chancellor Gordon Brown announced today that he has
commissioned an independent review into intellectual property
rights in the UK. Andrew Gowers, former editor of the Financial
Times, will lead the review.
The review, which will run for 12 months, will look at the way
in which Government administers the awarding of intellectual
property rights, and the support given to consumers and
business.
It will consider how well businesses are able to negotiate the
complexity and expense of the copyright and patent system,
including copyright and patent licensing arrangements, litigation
and enforcement. It will also look at whether the current technical
and legal IP infringement framework reflects the digital
environment, and whether provisions for 'fair use' by citizens are
reasonable.
The Government has previously committed to examining whether the
current term of copyright protection on sound recordings and
performers' rights is appropriate. This will also be conducted
within the review.
"I believe that intellectual property is at the heart of
Britain's success in the knowledge economy,” said Andrew Gowers.
“This review will ensure that we maintain a world-class environment
for creativity, design and innovation."
