Patents, Profits and Power: How Intellectual Property Rules the Global Economy

* Highlights the hazards facing intellectual property protection in the information age.* IBM estimates profits from licensing technologies in 2000 were $1.5 billion.* US pharma industries estimate losses of $500 million a year due to poor patent protection.* International in its scope, includes international enforcement mechanisms* Uses case studies and examples to support the text.The value of today's businesses is in the collective knowledge and innovation of their employees and leaders. Consequently, intellectual property (IP) protection has become the focus of considerable legal and regulatory attention, at both national and international levels. This exploration of the rapid development of IP in the global economy reveals theft, piracy and infringements of IP rights at every level, from the state to the individual. Curtis Cook examines the less desirable players on the world stage, why they choose to defy the law, how the rest of the world is responding, and how you can survive and thrive in this environment.On the way he looks at the way that intellectual property rights have rapidly expanded in the last 100 years, how intellectual assets have become the new wealth, how global IP enforcers are losing the battle to protect intellectual property against rogue nations, why intellectual property at cyberspeed is a different game, and how the intellectual property regime is being undermined.Fully international in its scope and subject matter, ""Patents, Profits and Power"" highlights the hazards facing intellectual property protection in the information age. Packed with international case studies and examples, this unique title will prove an invaluable source for anyone who creates forprofit... or power.