As technological developments multiply around the globe—even as the patenting of human genes comes under serious discussion—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 biotechnology—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.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
I Introduction
1 The Global Dimensions of Intellectual Property Rights in Science and Technology
2 Intellectual Property Institutions and the Panda's Thumb: Patents, Copyrights, and Trade Secrets in Economic Theory and History
II The Case For and Against a Uniform Worldwide Intellectual Property Rights System
Introduction
3 Why a Uniform Intellectual Property System Makes Sense or the World
4 Harmonization Versus Differentiation in Intellectual Property Right Regimes
5 Unauthorized Use of Intellectual Property: Effects on Investment, Technology Transfer, and Innovation
Discussion
III National and International Approaches to Intellectual Property Rights
Introduction
6 Comparative National Approaches to Intellectual Property Rights
7 Update on international Negotiations on Intellectual Property Rights
Discussion
IV Scientific and Technological Advance and Its Impact on the Role of Intellectual Property Rights
Introduction
8 Trends in Global Science and Technology and What They Mean for Intellectual Property Systems
9 Sectoral Views
10 Intellectual Property Rights and Competitive Strategy
Discussion
V Adapting Intellectual Property Rights to New Technologies
Introduction
11 Adapting the Intellectual Property System to New Technologies
12 A Case Study on Computer Programs
13 Biotechnology Case Study
14 Semiconductor Chip Protection as a Case Study
15 Optoelectronics
Discussion
VI Global Intellectual Property Rights Issues in Perspective
Introduction
16 Global Intellectual Property Rights Issues in Perspective: A Concluding Panel Discussion
Disccusion
Coda: Issues for Future Research
VII Appendix
A: Conference Agenda
B: Biographies of Contributors
Index