An information disclosure statement (IDS) is a crucial component of the patent review process as it gives applicants the opportunity to provide examiners with relevant background art or separate materials that may influence an invention's patentability. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has expanded the functionality of this mechanism with a new pilot program that will allow for the consideration of an IDS after payment of the patent issue fee, without the need for a request for continued examination (RCE).

As matters of intellectual property begin to transcend borders more frequently in a globalized economy, a joint study from the International Intellectual Property Institute and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has provided a valuable resource for all stakeholders. Researchers have conducted a first-of-its-kind analysis that consolidates information pertaining to specialized IP courts around the world into one centralized resource.

It is not unusual for website owners to register domain names that look to benefit off of the buzz generated by another party. In fact, trademark holders filed more than 2,750 complaints related to "cybersquatting" last year alone. However, Apple is responding with unique vigor this time in its effort to protect its brand equity and secure control for the www.iphone5.com domain name.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Law School Clinical Certification Pilot program enables students from participating law schools around the country to practice either patent or trademark law before USPTO examiners with limited guidance from faculty advisors. This week, the agency has opened up 15 additional spots in the program for universities to apply for, nearly doubling the current enrollment.

Since its establishment in 1970, the Patent Cooperation Treaty has enabled inventors to gain intellectual property protection at a global level by filing a solitary application. To bolster the procedural framework of this system and reassert its value, the World Intellectual Property Organization and European Patent Office have pledged their commitment to a new cooperative three-year initiative.

Colorado State University continues to be one of academia's leading advocates for the commercialization of intellectual assets, as its technology transfer office ranks among the most active in the nation. It seems as though these principles have spread throughout the campus community lately, following reports that the student government is invoking the defense of its members' intellectual property rights in relation to several university campaigns.

Popular file sharing website the Pirate Bay has long been considered one of the internet's primary distribution channels for infringing content, leaking everything from major motion pictures to proprietary software. The Swedish-based website has been able to secure safe harbor through a variety of complex legal maneuvers, but its days could be numbered following a British court ruling that will require internet service providers in the country to block access to the Pirate Bay.

Microsoft has been one of several big-name technology manufacturers engaging in protracted patent infringement cases in recent months. However, the software giant has decided to settle its dispute with Barnes & Noble and instead partner with the bookseller to establish a new subsidiary designed to deliver innovative digital publishing solutions.

Intellectual property protections have secured a path to success for many of the nation's most important innovations. But to keep this reputation intact, it is becoming apparent that patent and copyright systems will have to evolve in step with emerging digital business practices.

With April 26 marking the 12th occurrence of World Intellectual Property Day, leaders around the world have felt compelled to reflect upon history near and far and look for signs of what the future may hold.