Year 2008

Internet Governance: ICANN, Security And Nation States

By Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch
The future of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will remain an important topic in Internet governance in 2008, the tenth anniversary of the private global coordination body for Internet addresses and domain names.

Yet experts also expect security in its different facets to be on the rise in Internet governance debates and point to the further growing interest of nation states in exercising their sovereign governance rights in cyberspace. And it is increasingly the case that governance of the Internet can affect access to online content.

China Acts To Boost Patents On Publicly Funded Research

By Jia Hepeng for Intellectual Property Watch
BEIJING - In a renewed effort to boost innovation, China has decided to endow scientists with the patents on publicly funded research, but experts say systematic adjustment is needed if the incentive is to achieve its desired effect.

Patent And Copyright Reform Proposals Lead US IP Issues For 2008

By Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch
The year 2008 could be a turning point for intellectual property policy and law in the United States, with key patent, copyright and enforcement legislation pending, legal decisions unfolding, and high drama in the battle over content online. All of this comes in the context of a national presidential election late in the year.

Online Content, Patent Reform Are Key For Europe In 2008

By Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch Copyright issues take centre stage this year as debate intensifies in the European Union over Internet service provider (ISP) responsibility for online piracy. In addition, the proposed European patent litigation system, considered dead…