The International Expert Group on Biotechnology, Innovation and Intellectual Property today released a review of international trends in intellectual property law. The study analyzed current IP law from a multidisciplinary approach. Its findings are accordingly framed in broad terms of the social utility of IP law. The study divided IP law into two classes, ‘Old IP’ and ‘New IP’. ‘Old IP’ was characterized by a flood of patents being granted due to under regulation, and flows of knowledge being obstructed by companies and universities: ‘Research also showed that it was unclear whether patents actually increase inventiveness and dissemination’ (Executive Summary Page 5) ‘New IP’ is characterized by more stringent regulation, leading to less patents being granted, and the sharing of knowledge between developed and developing countries. The report makes a number of recommendations, with a recurrent theme of a collaborative approach between countries. See the report (including executive summary). See also an ABC article on this report.

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