Introduction -- Intellectual property rights basics -- Global intellectual property holdings -- Contribution of intellectual property to U.S. economy -- The organized structure of IPR protection -- U.S. trade law -- Issues for Congress.

As technological developments multiply around the globeâ€"even as the patenting of human genes comes under serious discussionâ€"nations, companies, and researchers find themselves in conflict over intellectual property rights (IPRs). Now, an international group of experts presents the first multidisciplinary look at IPRs in an age of explosive growth in science and technology. This thought-provoking volume offers an update on current international IPR negotiations and includes case studies on software, computer chips, optoelectronics, and biotechnologyâ€"areas characterized by high development cost and easy reproducibility. The volume covers these and other issues: Modern economic theory as a basis for approaching international IPRs. U.S. intellectual property practices versus those in Japan, India, the European Community, and the developing and newly industrializing countries. Trends in science and technology and how they affect IPRs. Pros and cons of a uniform international IPRs regime versus a system reflecting national differences.

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This report examines the importance of intellectual property (IP), ranging from patents, copyright, design and trade marks, and whether in the age of globalization, digitization and increasing economic specialization it still creates incentives for innovation, without unduly limiting access to consumers and stifling further innovation. The report does recommend a radical overhaul of the system, with the review concentrating on three areas, and setting out the following recommendations: (i) strengthening enforcement of IP rights, whether through clamping down on piracy or trade in counterfeit goods; (ii) reducing costs of registering and litigating IP rights for businesses large and small; (iii) improving the balance and flexibility of IP rights to allow individuals, businesses and institutions to use content in ways consistent with the digital age.