Global Dimensions of Intellectual Property Rights in Science and Technology

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 ContentsFront MatterI Introduction1 The Global Dimensions of Intellectual Property Rights in Science and Technology2 Intellectual Property Institutions and the Panda's Thumb: Patents, Copyrights, and Trade Secrets in Economic Theory and HistoryII The Case For and Against a Uniform Worldwide Intellectual Property Rights SystemIntroduction3 Why a Uniform Intellectual Property System Makes Sense or the World4 Harmonization Versus Differentiation in Intellectual Property Right Regimes5 Unauthorized Use of Intellectual Property: Effects on Investment, Technology Transfer, and InnovationDiscussionIII National and International Approaches to Intellectual Property RightsIntroduction6 Comparative National Approaches to Intellectual Property Rights7 Update on international Negotiations on Intellectual Property RightsDiscussionIV Scientific and Technological Advance and Its Impact on the Role of Intellectual Property RightsIntroduction8 Trends in Global Science and Technology and What They Mean for Intellectual Property Systems9 Sectoral Views10 Intellectual Property Rights and Competitive StrategyDiscussionV Adapting Intellectual Property Rights to New TechnologiesIntroduction11 Adapting the Intellectual Property System to New Technologies12 A Case Study on Computer Programs13 Biotechnology Case Study14 Semiconductor Chip Protection as a Case Study15 OptoelectronicsDiscussionVI Global Intellectual Property Rights Issues in PerspectiveIntroduction16 Global Intellectual Property Rights Issues in Perspective: A Concluding Panel DiscussionDisccusionCoda: Issues for Future ResearchVII AppendixA: Conference AgendaB: Biographies of ContributorsIndex