Features
There are a number of major challenges to face when putting together an IAMprogramme. Follow a few simple rules, however, and the task becomes a littleless daunting
The passage of the Trademark Dilution Revision Act 2005 through Congresshas raised further questions about the limits of US trademark law. Insupporting an expansion of their rights, some believe that trademark ownerscould end up doing themselves more harm than good
There are a number of major challenges to face when putting together an IAMprogramme. Follow a few simple rules, however, and the task becomes a littleless daunting.
The drinks industry is not alone in facing a serious threat from counterfeitingin developing markets such as China. However, the way liquor companies haveresponded may prove instructive to those operating in other sectors
It is one of the big stories of 2005, but developments in RFID may beundermined by standards organisations
Dow Chemical was embracing intellectual capital management before mostpeople had even heard of it. Nowadays, the concept is rooted at the heart ofthe company’s strategic planning. Three of Dow’s senior IC professionalsexplain how it works and look at the challenges they still face
Columns
In the world of IAM, trademarks areoften the poor relation to patents.They should not be
There are many reasons why VCsshould seek to ensure that a companyin which they invest owns the IP thatunderpins its business case. If therights remain in the hands of thecompany’s founders, on the otherhand, there is potential for serioustrouble further down the line
A recently published book by twoMassachusetts economists makes avaluable contribution to the debateabout the future of the patent systemin the US. But not all the authors’conclusions stand up to scrutiny
The arguments about the extent towhich IP law should affect the freeexchange of ideas are getting fiercer.But those who say patent rights havegone too far should pause to thinkwho, in the end, would benefit fromtheir curtailment
Insights
Hollywood-fuelled enthusiasm – and blue-state contrariness– moved California voters last year to authorise a US$3billion handout for the funding of stem-cell research.Unfortunately, it appears that nobody stopped to thinkthrough the IP consequences. As a result, the projectcould now be at risk
James Dyson, the British entrepreneurnow conquering the US, made hisfortune on the back of patents. Hisknowledge of trademark law does notseem to be so strong.
The annual AUTM meeting, held inPhoenix in February, was the bestattended ever. Delegates still face majorchallenges back on campus, though.
