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2 March 2017Copyright

Flexible IP regime vital, says UK digital strategy

A dynamic and flexible IP regime is vital for innovation to flourish in the UK, according to a digital strategy launched by the UK government yesterday.

The strategy, “to make Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a digital business”, was revealed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

As part of the strategy, the UK is determined to ensure that IP rules keep up with technological change.

The government will conduct research into 3D printing technology and how IP rights apply to 3D files and products.

The digital sectors contributed £118 billion ($144.9 billion) to the UK economy in 2015 and the target is that by 2025 the contribution will have risen to £200 billion.

“To achieve this, we must create the right conditions for the digital sectors to continue to thrive and to ensure the benefits are spread throughout the UK,” said a policy paper on the strategy.

As part of the strategy, five international technology hubs will be created in emerging markets to foster partnerships between UK companies and local technology firms.

“These hubs will help provide British businesses with a global competitive edge and drive collaboration on skills, innovation, technology, and research and development,” said the press release.

A major review of artificial intelligence to identify the critical elements for this technology to thrive and grow in the UK will also be undertaken. It will consider how the government and industry can work together to support this technology.

Jo Joyce, an associate in Taylor Wessing’s IP and media team, said: “Continuing to focus on the importance of an IP regime that is both robust and flexible in a time of fast paced technological change is welcome.”

She added that it was “notable and important” that during this time of uncertainty the UK government has restated its belief in the need to create the right conditions for the digital sectors to continue to thrive, including having the right IP framework.

"Our departure from the EU will present opportunities as well as significant challenges for the digital sector, with the possibility of making us more flexible in competition with other jurisdictions,” said Joyce.

In November last year, the government announced that it will ratify the Unified Patent Court Agreement, a move that Joyce said suggests the government is still “prepared to embrace cross border solutions where these are in the interests of the UK”.

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