Month: February 2011

Intellectual Property

Focusing the Patent Debate on What Most Needs Fixing

A fair, balanced and effective patent system is indispensible in promoting investment in research and development, job creation, global competitiveness and economic growth — goals that lawmakers from across the ideological spectrum can support. Yet US patent law has not been comprehensively modernized in more than 50 years.

Led by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the full Senate is now slated to consider the Patent Reform Act of 2011 (S.23). This debate presents an opportunity to forge a new consensus on a reform bill that addresses the most pressing problems with the US patent system as it stands today. (more…)

Intellectual Property

Keeping Strong IPR at the Top of the Trans-Pacific Trade Agenda

Want to bring down the US trade deficit? One easy way is to reduce software piracy. At last count, the packaged-software industry was contributing a surplus of nearly $37 billion to the US balance of trade — and that was with one hand tied behind its back, because another $30 billion worth of sales are … Read More >>

Cybersecurity

Online Trust Takes More Than Mom’s Maiden Name

How many websites do you shop? How many passwords do you have for your various online accounts? How many times have you used your mother’s maiden name, your place of birth or some other piece of personally identifiable information to verify your identity in a transaction? Quite a few, I would guess, and therein lies … Read More >>

Cloud Computing

Finding Extra Value in an Era of Tight Budgeting

With sweeping budget proposals now on the table from President Obama and House Republicans, the debate over federal spending is gaining momentum this week in Washington. Not surprisingly, there are diverging views on many of the particulars in the budget. But all agree in principle that the fiscal situation demands belt-tightening — and all agree … Read More >>

Cloud Computing

A 10-Step Policy Plan for Cloud Computing In Europe

With its promise of greater efficiency, productivity and value for money, cloud computing has emerged at just the right time for businesses, governments and organizations looking to do more with less. For policy-makers, getting the balance between innovation and regulation right is a key challenge, and the debate is gaining momentum in Europe and elsewhere. … Read More >>