Licensing Executives Society (USA & Canada) Calls on FTC to Examine Proposals for Open Registration System

ALEXANDRIA, VA, May 19 (MARKET WIRE) --
In response to calls for an "open registration system" for intellectual
property submitted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Licensing
Executives Society (USA & Canada), Inc., has sent comments to the FTC
cautioning against changes that could hinder innovation.

LES USA & Canada submitted comments in response to the FTC "Hearings
Regarding the Evolving Intellectual Property Marketplace" (73 Fed. Reg.
70645, Nov. 21, 2008).

More than 6,000 LES USA & Canada members engage in the discovery,
development, protection, and commercialization of intellectual property --
the business of intellectual property.

"LES USA & Canada is concerned by some views expressed in the hearings,"
the Society wrote in its comments. "Some have called for an open
registration system for intellectual property-related agreements. Many of
our members believe that the confidentiality of such agreements provides
many benefits, including: 1) protecting investment in the development of
new technologies; 2) maintaining strength of the intellectual property
that supports those investments; and 3) protecting proprietary business
interests and information necessary to foster continued investment in new
technologies... We believe this is one example of an initiative... that
might diminish, rather than promote, innovation."

LES USA & Canada cited several programs it runs on behalf of the
intellectual licensing profession, including researching and publishing
deal terms, royalty rates, and other key marketplace metrics in licensing
transactions. Together with its Foundation, LES USA & Canada also
publishes annual survey results reporting trends in the licensing
marketplace and a report on royalty rates and licensing terms in the
biopharmaceutical industry.

"Those initiatives illustrate the potential for the collection and
publication of valid, current market data that balances transparency and
confidentiality," LES USA & Canada said. "The research has been
well-received, and is widely supported by key innovators and those engaged
in the development and commercialization of intellectual property.

"LES USA & Canada strongly encourages the FTC to move carefully and
deliberately to avoid upsetting that delicate balance."

The Society encouraged the FTC to "actively elicit the participation and
cooperation of stakeholders in this effort" and offered its assistance;
including participating in an Advisory Board on the issue should the FTC
choose to create one.

More information about LES USA & Canada is available at
www.lesusacanada.org.

Contact:
Al Rickard
703-402-9713
Email Contact

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