This is a lengthy, comprehensive, but ultimately one-sided survey of issues related to copyright, patents and trademarks on the internet. There is some good documentation of the rise of online content and services. Following this, the report lists the bulk of infringement issues raised over the last few years. But as I said, this is a one-sided presentation. For example, while discussing the use of trademark names and logos, the report completely ignores any mention of the need for parody and fair comment. The report also discusses in some detail the question intellectual property in developing nations and asserts that there is a strong connection between strong IP protection and economic development. It cites the case of India in this regard, arguing that India's framework for protecting IP rights has resulted in a flourishing of Indian technoloy firms. That such a flourishing has happened is indisputable, yet the report offers no explanation for the fact that India trails China and even Senegal in bridging the digital divide. No doubt many policy makers will read this report, but if so, it must be read in conjunction with other studies (such as the British Integrating Intellectual Property Rights and Development Policy) that reach contrary conclusions.
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