Report into IP strategy is published

A policy paper published this month explains what the priorities will be over the course of the next four years.

The document prepared by the Intellectual Property Office said it wanted to ensure that:

• UK businesses, including small businesses, felt confident in operating internationally as a result of better IP protection globally
• Rights owners and rights users have access to proportionate and effective mechanisms to resolve disputes and tackle IP infringement
• Consumers and users are educated as to the benefits of respecting IP rights, and do so.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe, the Intellectual Property Minister, said that the UK had a well-deserved reputation for its creativity and it was important that the IP assets were afforded protection.

“These crucial IP rights are undermined and devalued on all fronts by infringement, whether by the wholesale sharing of digital content through myriad file sharing and streaming websites, deliberate copying of patent or design protected products, or the importation and sale of counterfeit goods on a massive scale,” she said.

“The harm that this infringement causes is hard to measure, but it is also hard to understate. Infringement of IP rights is not just an economic matter, although it does cause financial loss to legitimate business, and to the exchequer.”

At Royds, our experts can provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of intellectual property law affecting business. For more information please visit or contact Stephen Welfare or John North.