IAM Issue 11

There are a number of major challenges to face when putting together an IAM
programme. Follow a few simple rules, however, and the task becomes a little
less daunting

The passage of the Trademark Dilution Revision Act 2005 through Congress
has raised further questions about the limits of US trademark law. In
supporting an expansion of their rights, some believe that trademark owners
could end up doing themselves more harm than good

There are a number of major challenges to face when putting together an IAM
programme. Follow a few simple rules, however, and the task becomes a little
less daunting.

The drinks industry is not alone in facing a serious threat from counterfeiting
in developing markets such as China. However, the way liquor companies have
responded may prove instructive to those operating in other sectors

It is one of the big stories of 2005, but developments in RFID may be
undermined by standards organisations

Dow Chemical was embracing intellectual capital management before most
people had even heard of it. Nowadays, the concept is rooted at the heart of
the company’s strategic planning. Three of Dow’s senior IC professionals
explain how it works and look at the challenges they still face

In the world of IAM, trademarks are
often the poor relation to patents.
They should not be

There are many reasons why VCs
should seek to ensure that a company
in which they invest owns the IP that
underpins its business case. If the
rights remain in the hands of the
company’s founders, on the other
hand, there is potential for serious
trouble further down the line

A recently published book by two
Massachusetts economists makes a
valuable contribution to the debate
about the future of the patent system
in the US. But not all the authors’
conclusions stand up to scrutiny

The arguments about the extent to
which IP law should affect the free
exchange of ideas are getting fiercer.
But those who say patent rights have
gone too far should pause to think
who, in the end, would benefit from
their curtailment

Hollywood-fuelled enthusiasm – and blue-state contrariness
– moved California voters last year to authorise a US$3
billion handout for the funding of stem-cell research.
Unfortunately, it appears that nobody stopped to think
through the IP consequences. As a result, the project
could now be at risk

James Dyson, the British entrepreneur
now conquering the US, made his
fortune on the back of patents. His
knowledge of trademark law does not
seem to be so strong.

The annual AUTM meeting, held in
Phoenix in February, was the best
attended ever. Delegates still face major
challenges back on campus, though.