UK companies called on for IP evidence

The leader of the parliamentary review into intellectual property (IP) has called on UK businesses to help him assess the current rules.

Professor Ian Hargreaves, the chair of digital economy at the Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies and Cardiff Business School, launched the call for evidence, with a specific interest in the thoughts of small and medium business (SMBs), "given their importance to the UK economy."

Although a list of questions would be issued to interest parties, he revealed the focus of evidence would fall into two parts.

Firstly the review would look at whether IP systems "helps or hinders businesses" when trying to adapt in the "digital age" and secondly whether it acted as a barrier for new companies to break into the market.

"We must ensure the UK has an IP system that drives innovation and growth," said Professor Hargreaves. "This review will identify the barriers to growth and, where they exist, work out how to remove them."

"The review will set out short-term improvements that could be made as well as a long-term vision for the IP system."

Professor Hargreaves are now pushing to collect as much evidence as possible.

The minister for IP, Baroness Wilcox, said: "The UK needs a private-sector led recovery government cannot create economic growth."

"For industries from music and film to high-tech sectors, their intellectual property will be their most valuable assets. It is essential to our economic success that we have an IP system that drives innovation."

She added: "This independent review will help us ensure the IP system that supports economic growth."