The Department of Economic Development has released a consultation document which sets out extensive proposals to modernise existing intellectual property (IP) law. Consultees are invited to give their views on a wide range of proposals. Commenting on the proposals, Minister for Economic Development, Allan Bell MHK, said: ‘In the Island’s diverse economy areas such as e-business, e-gaming, space industry, clean technology, software development, and high-tech manufacturing are all underpinned by intellectual property. It is important that businesses in these sectors should have the confidence that their intellectual property will be sufficiently protected in the Island and elsewhere. In addition, even where intellectual property is not exploited in the Isle of Man by its owners, it is desirable that the Island be regarded as a suitable location for the establishment of companies for the holding of intellectual property. ‘Updating the Island’s IP legislation will assist in driving further development for our economy and it will also ensure that we can continue to compete with other jurisdictions.’ Copies of the consultation document can be downloaded from the Department’s website http://www.gov.im/ded/consultations.gov or requested from the Department. Submissions regarding the proposals should be sent to the Department by post, or emailed to the Department’s Legislation Officer, Jonathan Clague at jonathan.clague@gov.im by 31st July 2011. ENDS