Intellectual property challenges, pitfalls and opportunities in creating the world's most competitive knowledge-based economy

A unique forum exploring Europe's IP future and designed to help in the creation of an effective decision-making process, IP2004 brings together the European Commission and industry leaders, as well as investors, senior officials from patent and trademark offices, lawyers, attorneys and members of the judiciary.

Two main pillars will drive this pivotal exchange of views:

1. COMPETITION VERSUS MONOPOLY

   
   

2. A DYNAMIC IP INFRASTRUCTURE BY 2010

   
   

The following topics will be tackled:

• the IP/competition interface
• the proposed Community Patent and cross-border patent litigation in Europe
• protecting software innovation in Europe — the Software Directive and beyond
• the Community trademark — a European success story
• IP management strategies inside European companies
• the role of the investment community
• the European decision-making process as well as break out sessions on the following sectors:
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Biotechnology
  • Consumer goods
  • Luxury goods
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Telecom
  • Services industries
  • ...