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Patenting plants around the world
250 paradigms. Our first project, the development and evaluation of SAFARI (Shape Analysis For Automatic Retrieval of Images), a prototype shape retrieval system for two-dimensional engineering drawings of simple machined parts, demonstrated that we could achieve excellent retrieval performance within a restricted class of images. The aim of our current Artisan (Automatic Retrieval of Trademark Images by Shape Analysis) project is twofold: to develop and evaluate a prototype shape retrieval system for trademark images consisting of abstract geometric designs, and to assess the feasibility of generalising the image retrieval approach developed in our earlier SAFARI system to a wider range of image types. It is hoped that the prototype system developed will provide a basis from which the Patent Office Trademarks Registry can develop an improved image retrieval system for their own use. Selective Information on the National System of Innovation as an Important Input for the Technology Management of Firms, H. Gassier, J. Frohlich, A. Koposa, Int. J. Technol. Mgmt (Switzerland), 11(3--4), Inderscience Enterprises, 329-342, 1996. This paper is focused on findings derived from the use of patents as a proxy of inventive and innovative activities. Accordingly, we explore some facts about the structure of the Austrian national system of innovation using patent statistics, and combining these data with a firm data bank from the statistical information system at the Austrian Research Center, Seibersdorf. Firstly, we give an insight into the structure of the Austrian National Innovation System, focusing on the technological speeialisation profile. Secondly, we position Austria in the international patent "landscape", and demonstrate the main discrepancies between Austrian and world-wide patenting activities. Thirdly, we present some results on the domestic patenting activities in Austria at the firm level, and discuss a matrix which contains data on patent applications broken down by industrial sector of origin and several technology fields based upon an aggregation of IPC-3 digits. Thus we are able to analyse the interdependence between industrial sectors and technology fields in Austria. The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, S. C. Barnard, lEE Colloquium "Progress in Design" (digest no. 1996/121), pp. 5/1--4, 1996. This paper presents an introduction to the theory of inventive problem solving (TIPS); a series of powerful tools to direct the search for solutions to engineering problems. The system was developed by G. S. Altshuller and his school in the former USSR, based
Literature Review on an extensive study of the World Patent Database (over 400,000 inventions from different engineering fields). From these studies it was recognised that the evolution of technical systems follows a series of laws or trends. These laws can be utilised in the development of engineering solutions as an alternative to a "trial-and-error" or brainstorming technique for problem solving. The tools include a set of the most commonly applied inventive principles, an algorithm for inventive problem solving, standard solutions, and a database containing hundreds of physical, chemical and geometric effects. Several examples illustrating the methods are given. Towards a European Utility Model, J. Newton, European Intellectual Property Review, 18(8), 446 449, 1996. This is a discussion of the Commission's Green Paper of 19 July 1995, which set out the need for protection of utility models in the single market. It reviews the Commission's proposed legislation which suggested that technical inventions could be protected without previous examination for novelty and inventive step. The requirement for three-dimensional form would be removed and the right would last I0 years. Infringement would be handled similarly to patent infringement. The author suggests that harmonisation of national laws must be the first step towards any Community-level system. Online Rights: How to Interpret Pre-existing Agreements, M. F. Radcliffe,
European Intellectual Property Review, 18(9), 494-498, 1996. The explosion of the online industry has created a great demand for music, photographs and video, but existing works are often covered by agreements allocating rights to other parties. The author discusses how to interpret such agreements based on previous experiences in the television and video fields. Patenting Plants Around the World, T. Roberts, European Intellectual Property Review, 18(10), 531-536, 1996. The author reviews current practice, focussing mainly on the USA and Europe. Patent rights are needed for genetic innovation - - the USA gives breeders complete freedom to patent plants and plant varieties. In Europe there is some confusion about the law. In countries where neither patents nor plant-variety protection are yet available, the World Trade Organisation will promote the introduction of at least one of these systems. Intellectual Property Resources on the Global Internet, A. F. Purcell, Patent WorM, 83, 18-26, 1996. An overview of IP resources together with an introduction to the resource locating tools available and
strategies for their use. Covers government, university and privately maintained lists and resources. Includes newsgroups and mailing lists. The author also touches on the problem of ephemeral items of prior art. Intellectual property activities in US research universities, S. L. Bertha, IDEA, 36(4), 513-541, 1996. Review of the interaction between universities and industry which has increased significantly in recent years. The universities have shown increased sophistication in IP management and they now handle the full range of IP matters including evaluation of invention, protection through patents, trademarks and copyright, negotiation of licence agreements with industry, creation of start-up companies, ownership of equity in such companies, defence of their rights and sponsorship of further research with royalty income. Patent Developments in Eastern and Central Europe and the Former Soviet Union, R. P. Been, J. Patent and Trademark Office Society, 78(7), 483-514, 1996. The author reviews the Eurasian Patent Convention and gives tables showing the patenting activities of all of the offices within central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. It is suggested that Europe, having failed to get the Community Patent off the ground, could benefit by studying the EAPC who have created a unitary patent system with inexpensive fees, in a single language and having effect in all the contracting states. Can Sport Move in Mysterious Ways? W. Phelops, Copyright World, issue 63, 17-20, 1996. Discusses merchandising, endorsement and sponsorship of sports personalities and teams (such as the Dream Team). According to an EC report, the sports industry accounts for over 2.5% of world trade. The Protection of Copyrightable Works on the United States Information Infrastructure, E. D'Andrea, Copyright WorM, issue 64, 34-37, 1996. The Nil will provide instant online access to many forms of information including music, encyclopaedias and magazines. Much of this material will be subject to copyright, and safeguards are needed to protect these rights. Making Sense of Trademarks, D. Zendel, D. S. Prahl, Trademark WorM, issue 89, 21-26, 1996. The authors look at the protection of the new types of mark - colour, sound and scents - - in various jurisdictions. Scent marks are the most problematical.
Literature Review on an extensive study of the World Patent Database (over 400,000 inventions from different engineering fields). From these studies it was recognised that the evolution of technical systems follows a series of laws or trends. These laws can be utilised in the development of engineering solutions as an alternative to a "trial-and-error" or brainstorming technique for problem solving. The tools include a set of the most commonly applied inventive principles, an algorithm for inventive problem solving, standard solutions, and a database containing hundreds of physical, chemical and geometric effects. Several examples illustrating the methods are given. Towards a European Utility Model, J. Newton, European Intellectual Property Review, 18(8), 446 449, 1996. This is a discussion of the Commission's Green Paper of 19 July 1995, which set out the need for protection of utility models in the single market. It reviews the Commission's proposed legislation which suggested that technical inventions could be protected without previous examination for novelty and inventive step. The requirement for three-dimensional form would be removed and the right would last I0 years. Infringement would be handled similarly to patent infringement. The author suggests that harmonisation of national laws must be the first step towards any Community-level system. Online Rights: How to Interpret Pre-existing Agreements, M. F. Radcliffe,
European Intellectual Property Review, 18(9), 494-498, 1996. The explosion of the online industry has created a great demand for music, photographs and video, but existing works are often covered by agreements allocating rights to other parties. The author discusses how to interpret such agreements based on previous experiences in the television and video fields. Patenting Plants Around the World, T. Roberts, European Intellectual Property Review, 18(10), 531-536, 1996. The author reviews current practice, focussing mainly on the USA and Europe. Patent rights are needed for genetic innovation - - the USA gives breeders complete freedom to patent plants and plant varieties. In Europe there is some confusion about the law. In countries where neither patents nor plant-variety protection are yet available, the World Trade Organisation will promote the introduction of at least one of these systems. Intellectual Property Resources on the Global Internet, A. F. Purcell, Patent WorM, 83, 18-26, 1996. An overview of IP resources together with an introduction to the resource locating tools available and
strategies for their use. Covers government, university and privately maintained lists and resources. Includes newsgroups and mailing lists. The author also touches on the problem of ephemeral items of prior art. Intellectual property activities in US research universities, S. L. Bertha, IDEA, 36(4), 513-541, 1996. Review of the interaction between universities and industry which has increased significantly in recent years. The universities have shown increased sophistication in IP management and they now handle the full range of IP matters including evaluation of invention, protection through patents, trademarks and copyright, negotiation of licence agreements with industry, creation of start-up companies, ownership of equity in such companies, defence of their rights and sponsorship of further research with royalty income. Patent Developments in Eastern and Central Europe and the Former Soviet Union, R. P. Been, J. Patent and Trademark Office Society, 78(7), 483-514, 1996. The author reviews the Eurasian Patent Convention and gives tables showing the patenting activities of all of the offices within central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. It is suggested that Europe, having failed to get the Community Patent off the ground, could benefit by studying the EAPC who have created a unitary patent system with inexpensive fees, in a single language and having effect in all the contracting states. Can Sport Move in Mysterious Ways? W. Phelops, Copyright World, issue 63, 17-20, 1996. Discusses merchandising, endorsement and sponsorship of sports personalities and teams (such as the Dream Team). According to an EC report, the sports industry accounts for over 2.5% of world trade. The Protection of Copyrightable Works on the United States Information Infrastructure, E. D'Andrea, Copyright WorM, issue 64, 34-37, 1996. The Nil will provide instant online access to many forms of information including music, encyclopaedias and magazines. Much of this material will be subject to copyright, and safeguards are needed to protect these rights. Making Sense of Trademarks, D. Zendel, D. S. Prahl, Trademark WorM, issue 89, 21-26, 1996. The authors look at the protection of the new types of mark - colour, sound and scents - - in various jurisdictions. Scent marks are the most problematical.