The European Court of Justice recently ruled that a Belgian internet service provider could not be held responsible for filtering out peer-to-peer file sharing networks - a crucial platform favored by digital media pirates.

In some cases, defending intellectual property rights can present a significant administrative and financial burden. However, with a clear understanding of regulatory frameworks and market conditions, companies may be able to protect their intellectual assets more affordably.

As regulators and industry analysts around the world attempt to pinpoint potential implications of the ongoing patent battle between Apple and Samsung, European antitrust regulators remain concerned that the legal victors may use their intellectual property rights to limit innovation and stifle competition.

In a recent speech, European Commission vice president Neelie Kroes offered a strong rebuke of current European Union copyright laws, calling for the development of a more relevant framework to align with recent technological innovations.

As Google prepares to finalize its acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a small U.S. cellular solutions provider has come forward and accused Motorola of intellectual property theft.

In yet another display of shrewd intellectual property strategy, Apple may soon leverage a patent acquired from Xerox to effectively take control of the location-based services market.

Two of New York City's most beloved cultural publications - the Village Voice and Time Out New York - are now engaged in a controversial intellectual property battle centered on the use of the phrase "Best of NYC."

Congressional advocates of the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act, as well as the recently passed PROTECT IP Act, contend that each will provide essential intellectual property protection to American businesses. However, several big names in the technology community have recently come forward to suggest legislators may not fully understand the digital implications of these bills.

The latest report from the World Intellectual Property Organization points to the changing ways innovative firms around the world are approaching issues of IP rights ownership.

The so-called 'super committee' of senators tasked with uncovering potential sources of government budget savings has shifted its focus toward the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, according to IP Watchdog, calling into question the agency's funding levels.