IPR in Nanotechnology - lessons from experiences worldwide

The aim of the nanotechnology IPR workshop was to identify specific IPR issues for nanotechnology and to discuss possible consequences for patent offices, policy makers, patent consultants and the research community. Many aspects have been identified in ongoing academic and political discussions, such as the costs of patenting and the accessibility of patents for SMEs or Developing Countries, the need of a transparent and clearly defined scope of patent protection, the implications of "nanopatent land grab" and "patent thickets", "nanotechnology patent battles", and "monopoly patent" etc.