Competition Policy and Intellectual Property

Competition Policy and Intellectual Property explores the role of competition policy and intellectual property rights in promoting an efficient and innovative economy. The book contains a collection of papers and commentaries by leading Canadian and international authorities, stemming from a symposium organized by the Competition Bureau in co-operation with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, and the Micro-economic Policy Analysis and Marketplace Framework Policy branches of Industry Canada. Given recent developments such as the rise of authorized generic pharmaceuticals, and the rapid advancements in communications technology, many concerns have emerged about whether the customary methods of licensing intellectual property rights remain the most efficient mechanisms for disseminating intellectual property and encouraging its creation. The papers and commentaries contained in this book reflect an intensive evaluation of these concerns and endeavour to find the right balance between creating incentives for innovation and the encouragement of vigorous competition in the marketplace.