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The situation of intellectual property protection in Russia has long been described by experts as disastrous. The share of illegal videocassettes in the Russian market is 50%, of audiocassettes 64%, and of DVDs almost 100%. In this connection, at the session held on October 3 2002 the Russian government determined the list of urgent anti-piracy measures. A specialized government committee led by the Prime Minister will be engaged in stage-by-stage development of the measures connected with intellectual property protection. It is supposed to improve the legislative base by working out amendments and changes into the existing laws and acceptance of new legal acts. Moreover, Russia intends to sign and ratify international agreements on copyright and related rights protection (namely, the International Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations, the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty).

Pursuant to the Mexican Law of Industrial Property, the owner or an authorized licensee of a registered mark must use that mark in commerce. If the mark is not used within a three year period, although it will remain in full force until its renewal time, it will be also contestable, and in consequence any interested third party could file a cancellation action against it on non-use basis.

? Australia: David Clark has become a partner of Blake Dawson Waldron in its Sydney office, where he will set up the office's patent services group. He previously was a partner of Griffith Hack.

Licensing can generate millions of dollars for technology companies, but many executives still do not take full advantage of the opportunities available. Dan McCurdy and Marshall Phelps explode the myths that prevent companies from developing successful licensing programmes

Vacuum cleaner maker Dyson has pocketed over £4 million ($6.24 million) in a settlement with rival Hoover. The settlement - £4 million plus costs and interest - comes just weeks before the High Court was due to decide what level of damages should be awarded against Hoover.

Following promulgation by the State Council of the new Implementing Regulations on Copyright Law, the Supreme People's Court also promulgated a new Judicial Interpretation on Several Issues relating to the Application of Law in Adjudicating Civil Copyright Dispute Cases. The new Judicial Interpretation, which came into force on October 15 2002, clarifies certain issues on copyright disputes.

Linda Wang and Ooi Aik Hin, of Tay & Partners, explain how to deal with overruns and transhipments under the following situations

IP systems in the Asia Pacific region are being reformed to comply with international standards. There is increasing value for IP owners in registering their rights early, write Henry Wheare and Sandra Gibbons

Room 205, Asia World Bld