To keep their reputation for innovation intact, it is becoming apparent that patent and copyright systems will have to evolve in step with emerging digital business practices.
--- # [](https://www.innovation-asset.com/) - [Decipher®](https://www.innovation-asset.com/products-decipher) - [Services](https://www.innovation-asset.com/products/professional-services-0) - [Resources](https://www.innovation-asset.com/resources) - [Blog](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog) - [About Us](https://www.innovation-asset.com/about) - [Contact Us](https://www.innovation-asset.com/contact) # Innovation Asset Blog # Digital business models demand evolution of IP by [Peter Ackerman](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/author/peter-ackerman) 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. The publishing world - traditionally one of the strongest advocates for copyright protection - has been showing signs of dissatisfaction lately with the IP framework established as a result of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Digital Rights Management technologies essentially prevent electronically published works from being modified or shared without their publishers' consent. But according to BBC News, MacMillan subsidiary Tor is planning to abandon DRM in the coming months to align with its business goals. One of the unexpected consequences of DRM is the fact that content cannot be reformatted for viewing on multiple devices. Thus, producers are essentially locked into distributing their works through a single platform - such as the Kindle or iPad - and putting them in an adverse business position. Similar concerns have been aired in the software community as manufacturers suggest that the initially noble goals of patent protection have been corrupted by license holders aiming to limit competition and stifle true innovation. According to Wired, the exclusivity period typically afforded to patent holders may not make sense in an industry that evolves at such a rapid pace. As such, experts are wondering how the system may be amended in the coming months and years to better align with emerging realities.  ### [Peter Ackerman](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/author/peter-ackerman) Founder & CEO, Innovation Asset Group, Inc. [April 27, 2012](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/digital-business-models-demand-evolution-of-ip) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Introducing Decipher® ### Categories - [Intellectual Property Management (459)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/topic/intellectual-property-management) - [Commercialization and Licensing (210)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/topic/commercialization-and-licensing) - [Invention Disclosure (201)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/topic/invention-disclosure) - [Innovation Strategy (20)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/topic/innovation-strategy) - [Ideas for Good (6)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/topic/ideas-for-good) - [Innovation Team (3)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/topic/innovation-team) ### News Archives - [January 2013 (26)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/archive/2013/01) - [September 2012 (25)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/archive/2012/09) - [October 2012 (22)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/archive/2012/10) - [November 2012 (22)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/archive/2012/11) - [November 2010 (21)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/archive/2010/11) - [February 2011 (21)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/archive/2011/02) - [July 2012 (21)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/archive/2012/07) - [December 2012 (21)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/archive/2012/12) - [January 2012 (20)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/archive/2012/01) - [March 2012 (20)](https://www.innovation-asset.com/blog/archive/2012/03) ##### Portland, Oregon USA ##### © Innovation Asset Group, Inc. ##### [Privacy Policy](https://www.innovation-asset.com/privacy-policy/) | [Terms & Conditions](https://www.innovation-asset.com/terms-and-conditions/) | [Contact Us](https://www.innovation-asset.com/contact/) -