Announcement IPR in ICT standardisation workshop November Brussels ICT

							            Announcement "IPR in ICT standardisation" workshop
                       19 November 2008, Brussels
ICT standardisation is facing an increased impact from the inclusion of “patented”
technologies in ICT standards and specifications, which raises a number of questions to be
addressed. For ICT standardisation to continue its role as a major instrument to support
competitiveness, to increase interoperability and to respond to industry expectations and
societal needs, an adequate balance has to be found between the needs for standardised
approaches and the interests of the IPR-owners. Standards developing organisations should be
able to implement effective IPR policies while respecting the requirements of competition
law.

The European Commission is therefore organising a one-day workshop on intellectual
property rights and ICT standards on 19 November in Brussels.

ICT standards development and use are market-led and voluntary. EU ICT standardisation
policy aims to promote competitiveness and standards use in the public interest, while also
encouraging innovation, industry collaboration and competition in the market place. In this
context, as part of the EU ICT standardisation policy review, the workshop will aim to discuss
issues related to the inclusion of patented technologies in ICT standards and specifications.
The workshop will feature keynote addresses from senior officials of the European
Commission.

The day’s agenda will be organised around four panels. The topics to be addressed will
include the complex relationship between ICT standardisation policy, intellectual property
and competition law; the balancing of interests of IPR licensors and licensees; and the
relationship between IPR, interoperability, competitiveness, and the support of innovation.
Industry, standards organisations, public authorities including patent offices, users and
consumers will each bring their own perspectives. Short introductory remarks by panellists
will be followed by discussion.

A detailed agenda for the workshop as well as a link for electronic registration will shortly be
available on this website.