World Intellectual Property Review

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Peter Scott Telephone: +44 208 466 7045

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World Intellectual Property Review:

ISSN 1758-7528 (Print)

Cover image: ©iStockphoto.com / diademimages

In March, US President Barack Obama finally pushed through the most significant reforms to US healthcare in living memory. Once the loose ends have been tied up (which may take a while), attention will likely turn again to that other perennial congressional problem: patent reform. But while no US president has managed to pass significant patent reform since 1952, many think that now is the best opportunity we will see.

In this issue, we take a look at the key provisions of the Patent Reform Bill 2010, and ask whether it will achieve genuine change or whether the compromises negotiated to get it to pass will diminish its impact.

One thing not covered by the proposed reform (or by the healthcare bill) is the continuing controversy about so-called reverse payment patent settlements between originator drug companies and their generic competitors. We offer a European perspective on this topic, looking at the impact of the European Commission’s pharmaceutical sector inquiry.

Tis issue also boasts an interview with Francis Gurry, head of the World Intellectual Property Organization, who talks about the impact of the recent global financial crisis on the intellectual property landscape. We have a country focus on Taiwan, where the government and intellectual property office are looking to speed up patent applications that have already been submitted in other jurisdictions. We also take a look at the role of expert witnesses in patent litigation: where to find the best experts and how to make sure you choose the right one.

Finally, we have a preview of the International Trademark Association’s annual meeting in Boston. Tis is an invaluable guide to the conference, including exhibitor listings, a floorplan and other essential information for attendees. I hope to see many of you there.

All this alongside our regular jurisdiction reports, our movers and shakers guide to the most recent people moves in the IP world, and in a new section of the magazine, a round-up of the latest headline- making IP stories. As ever, I’d welcome your feedback.

Peter Scott Editor

US politicians have talked about patent reform for years. Perhaps its time is coming.

EDITOR’S NOTE

EDITORIAL PANEL

Jacqueline Needle, partner, Beck Greener

Simon Cohen, partner, intellectual property,

Taylor Wessing

Jane Collins, head of trademarks, Syngenta

Yoshitaka Sonoda, partner,

Sonoda & Kobayashi

Robert Barchiesi, president,

International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition

Paul J. Sutton, co-founding partner,

Sutton Magidoff LLP

www.worldipreview.com

Mark A. Steiner, partner,

Townsend and Townsend and Crew LLP

Sergio Olivares, partner,

Olivares & Cía.

Susan E. Cullen, consulting practice

director, Thomson Reuters

Chris McLeod, director of trademarks,

Hammonds

Stephen Kinsey, partner,

Wildbore & Gibbons

World Intellectual Property Review March/April 2010

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