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At the Enterprise Conference on 2 December 2005, the Chancellor announced that, as part of the Pre-Budget Report 2005 package, he was asking Andrew Gowers to lead an Independent Review to examine the UK’s intellectual property framework. Mr. Gowers will be assisted by a small secretariat of civil service officials. The review will report to the Chancellor, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in Autumn 2006.
The UK’s IP framework is a critical component of our present and future success in the global knowledge economy. Our economic competitiveness is increasingly driven by knowledge-based industries, especially in manufacturing, science-based sectors and the creative industries.
Intellectual Property Rights must provide the optimal incentives for private industry and individuals to innovate and invest to create value, whilst preventing excessive inefficiencies and monopoly costs which can reduce competition and impede incremental innovation.
Whilst the Government believes the present UK system strikes broadly the right balance between consumers and rights-holders, the review will examine whether improvements could be made and, as appropriate, make targeted and practical policy recommendations. The review will provide an analysis of the performance of the UK IP policy, regulation and operations, to include
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the way in which Government administers the awarding of IP and their support to consumers and business;
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how well businesses are able to negotiate the complexity and expense of the copyright and patent system, including copyright and patent licensing arrangements, litigation and enforcement; and
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whether the current technical and legal IP infringement framework reflects the digital environment, and whether provisions for ‘fair use’ by citizens are reasonable.
The Government has previously committed to examining whether the current term of copyright protection on sound recordings and performers’ rights is appropriate. This will also be conducted within the review.
Consultation
Over the course of the year, the review team will consult widely with anyone that wishes to share their point of view. The review will be evidence-led, and there will be a call for evidence in February 2006. There is an address below for if you wish to contact the team before then. Due to the high volume of correspondance we are receiving, we may not be able to reply to your inquiry personally, however all correspondance will be read and acted upon.
Review Team contact details
Gowers Review of Intellectual Property
Zone 4/E1
HM Treasury
1, Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ
Email: gowers.review@hm-treasury.gov.uk
Fax: 020 7270 4414
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