A forum on intellectual property (IP) has examined the links between the IP system and climate change.

The European Patent Forum, which took place from 6-7 May 2008, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, considered how patenting and the IP system could bring benefits to the environment and help combat climate change, with participants discussing in particular the need to encourage greater innovation.
“The patent system can foster innovation … but then you’d better have a functioning patent system,” said Alison Brimelow, President of the European Patent Office, in a closing address. ”The patent system is drifting toward dysfunctionality… but I think we are also showing here that regulators are becoming less Olympian…and much more open to dialogue,” she added.
In his address, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer noted that intellectual property rights are perceived as a barrier to technology transfer for developing countries in the context of the climate change negotiations. He proposed further discussion on: clarifying where IP rights are a barrier to technology transfer and where they are not; regulating patent regimes to balance reward and access; removing barriers to accessing technologies in the public domain; assessing the impact of higher costs on the dissemination of technologies; and compulsory licensing.
The two-day Forum was organized by the European Patent Office, the government of Slovenia (which currently holds the EU Presidency), the Slovenian IP Office and the European Commission. It was attended by participants from 45 countries.
Links to further information
Forum website, May 2008
EPO conference update, 7 May 2008
Intellectual Property Watch report, 14 May 2008
Yvo de Boer’s speech (powerpoint presentation), 7 May 2008