GUNS AND BYTES

Russia sends in the big guns

Mosnews.com reports on a speech made by Russian Federal Intellectual Property, Patent and Trademark Service (Rospatent) Boris Simonov. He argues that Russia is losing out to the tune of $6bn a year by failing to gain patent protection for its military technology. Allegedly, Russia patents just 7% of its patentable military technology, which contrasts unfavourably with its rivals.

Previously the belief was that failing to obtain patent protection would enable Russia to maintain secrecy about its military operations, but that approach is of limited utility in the current climate of military co-operation.

The IPKat notes that such technology may have applications other than the merely violent and so there may be a public interest in their protection by patent.


Electric avenue

OHIM now permits the electronic filing of oppositions (see order of the President here).

The IPKat says hurray!