INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IN DIGITAL
INFORMATION IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD CONTEXT:
A SCIENCE POLICY PERSPECTIVE

Paul F. Uhlir
National Research Council
Washington, DC
puhlir@nas.edu


I. Traditional IP Law in Data and Information

II. Key Characteristics of Digital Information and Electronic Networks in the IP Context

III. The Emerging IP Regime for Digital Data and Information

IV. Impact of the New Regime on Access to and Use of STI in Developing Countries

V. Restrictions on Publicly Generated STI

VI. The Importance of Scientific Values and the Role of Scientists in the IP Debate

VII. References


I. Traditional IP Law in Data and Information


II. Key Characteristics of Digital Information and Electronic Networks in the IP Context

Potential problems for IPR protection


III. The Emerging IP Regime for Digital Data and Information

A. Changes to Old IP Law

B. New Mechanisms


IV. Impact of the New Regime on Access to and Use of STI in Developing Countries

A. Positive aspects--TRIPS Agreement and new IP laws are expected to stimulate:

B. Negative aspects


V. Restrictions on Publicly Generated STI

A. Government STI

B. Government-funded STI in universities

C. Greater pressures in both areas in developing countries


VI. The Importance of Scientific Values and the Role of Scientists in the IP Debate

A. Scientific values and norms

B. Role of scientists in IP debate—« political scientists »


VII. References

www.nap.edu (U.S. National Academy Press)

See the following reports, all free online:

www.codata.org/codata/data_access/index.html

www.dfc.org (against strong protection)

www.siia.net (for strong protection)

Official intergovernmental and US government web sites:

www.wipo.org  (World Intellectual Property Organization)

www.oapi.wipo.net (French-speaking IP org. in Africa)

www.uspto.gov (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office)

lcweb.loc/copyright (U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress