Ireland To Enhance IP Regime

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

01 June 2010

Ireland’s intellectual property regime is to be overhauled under new plans to be unveiled when the group established to drive forward the recommendations of the Innovation Taskforce convenes its first meeting this week. The announcement was made on June 1, by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe.

O’Keeffe wants to make it easier for entrepreneurs to turn creative ideas into ‘smart’ jobs by ironing out the kinks in the intellectual property process. This would include “maximising opportunities for the commercialization of government-based intellectual property, and giving entrepreneurs in Ireland a competitive edge,” the Minister said.

O’Keeffe added:

“Strong government investment in research and development means that we now have a vibrant intellectual property sector - but my concern is that we do not have a system that is fast enough in allowing these ideas be turned into commercialized products and, ultimately, jobs.”

"I want to smoothe the process for industry and enterprise in accessing intellectual property and turning it into products and services for the global marketplace.”

“The focus must be on ensuring that industry gets predictable, consistent and speedy treatment when engaging with research institutions to commercialize intellectual property.”

“In doing so, we can create “smart” and sustainable jobs and give Ireland a competitive advantage over other countries in developing our innovation capacity.”

“I have asked the expert group on intellectual property to ensure that all enterprises, from small businesses to multinationals, get better access to government-supported intellectual property and then be able to use it to create jobs and drive our economic recovery."

The government plans to introduce legislative changes as the expert group’s work progresses. The government said it expects a considerable number of enhancements to be in place by the end of 2010.

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