Gower Report
May 2008
The UK Patent Office has been restructured as the UK Intellectual Property Office following a report on the condition of the UK intellectual property system. The Gower Review of Intellectual Property, while concluding that the UK has a fundamentally strong IP system, has identified some important reforms to ensure that the system is of maximum benefit to companies, innovators and consumers.The recently published report, commissioned at the request of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, identifies the need to strengthen enforcement of IP rights to protect the UK's creative industries from piracy and counterfeiting, while providing additional support for British businesses using IP in the UK and abroad. The report also recognises the need to strike the right balance between encouraging firms and individuals to innovate and invest in new ideas, while ensuring that the markets remain competitive and future innovations are not impeded.
Andrew Gowers, who authored the review, said "In today's knowledge economy, knowledge capital, more than physical capital, will drive the success of the UK economy. Against this backdrop, IP rights, which protect the value of creative ideas, are more vital than ever. The ideal IP system creates incentives for innovation, without unduly limiting access for consumers and follow-on innovators. It must strike the right balance in a rapidly changing world so that innovators can see further by standing on the shoulders of giants. And it must take tough action against those who infringe IP Rights at a cost to the UK's most creative industries.
The Review provides sound recommendations on how the IP regime should respond to the challenges that it faces. Getting the balance right is vital to driving innovation, securing investment and stimulating competition.
The Report aims to increase focus on IP crime, while lowering the cost of litigation and reviewing the use of civil damages. Business representatives will also play a more significant role in advising the Office, and there will be more international advice and support provided.
The Patent Office welcomed the Report. Ron Marchant, Chief Executive and Comptroller General of the Patent Office, said "I look forward to the Patent Office playing a full role in implementing the recommendations for which it is responsible. Thanks to the work we began with our Patent Office for the 21st Century programme we are ready to rise to the challenge. That challenge is highlighted by the proposed change of name, as this will signal to all customers and stakeholders the true range of our activities and contribution.
He praised the author of the report saying "Andrew Gowers and his team have done a comprehensive and through job in a very open-minded way. We congratulate them."
Please click here for the full report.
