Is innovation being stifled by current policies? Having practiced intellectual property law for more than 25 years, I’ve had the singular honor of witnessing American innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial energy signal the end of every economic down turn. All those unemployed and under employed workers, having a little time and inspiration, innovate and develop new company concepts and products. The phone starts ringing, and new companies and products are launched.

Today however, that does not appear to be happening with the same vitality as in the past, and we submit that current policies are the root of the innovation doldrums. Why innovate if your ultimate reward is higher taxes, more red tape and moribund economics; i.e. the available disposable consumer income is so low that nothing is left for new products after paying for essentials?

Trademark Application Filing Statistics:

2005             2006            2007             2008            2009
264,510        277,579        304,129        294,070        266,845
http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/marks/

We’re interested in your thoughts, what do you think?

(Chris McHattie)