Government Announces Review of UK Intellectual Property Law

Prime Minister, David Cameron, has revealed the Government's programme to facilitate better high-tech innovation in the UK. In the programme, entitled "Blueprint for Technology", the Government recognises the "need to drive the economic growth of the future", and sets out a commitment to make the UK a more attractive place for innovative businesses.

A key part of the Blueprint programme will be a six-month independent review of the UK intellectual property laws to ensure, in the words of Mr Cameron, that they are "fit for the internet age".

The review will explore various aspects of intellectual property law - from a general assessment of the enforcement of intellectual property rights, to an exploration of the more specific challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises in relation to intellectual property.

One of the most prominent aspects of the review will no doubt be its evaluation of how the current intellectual property system can be adapted to better drive growth and innovation in the technology sector; addressing issues such as the barriers faced by new internet-based business models relating to intellectual property.

Indeed, during his speech introducing the programme, Mr Cameron referred to a discussion he had had with the founders of Google. In the discussion, the founders had told Mr Cameron that the potential uncertainties arising from the restrictive terms of UK copyright law would likely have prevented them from being able to start such a company in the UK.

To this end, the review will evaluate the...