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The increasing intricacy and complexity of today's technologies is pushing more and more companies to think about joining standards bodies. However, says Sam Mamudi, there are risks inherent to such organizations

Marcela Waksman Ejnisman and Andreia de Andrade Gomes Moreira de Souza of Tozzini, Freire, Teixeira e Silva Advogados

Over recent years in the Middle East, we have seen a massive increase in the use of mobile phone technology and included within that has been the arrival of several operators offering ringtones. So far in the Middle East, most of what has been on offer are polytones and monotones. Truetones are only just now beginning to break into the market place. Polytones and monotones are reproductions of a recording involving a publishing royalty whereas a truetone uses the actual recording of a song. It is becoming pretty popular in the Middle East for a mobile user to download his or her favourite sound recording into a mobile phone to be used for example as an incoming call alert.

According to subsection 4 of new §1(a) of the German Patent Act (GPA) implementing EU Directive 98/44/EC, a claim to a naturally occurring DNA sequence must recite the use of the DNA. There appears to be a general understanding in the patent community that this proviso establishes purpose-limited protection for DNA sequences. There is no doubt that this notion finds support among members of the legislative bodies, whose statements on the subject show a clear inclination to exempt gene sequences from absolute compound protection.

More and more companies are transferring R&D operations to China to capitalize on the country's cheap, highly skilled scientists and localize their product development. But how should they get their IP out? Alan Adcock explains

Recent years have seen businesses discover the enormous marketing potential of the internet. But the online boom has brought with it new opportunities for mischief as well as for more legitimate enterprise. Antony Gold explains why brand name interception is becoming an increasing problem

All too often, observers of patent trials fail to recognize a settlement as a victory for the accused infringer. Michael Cummings offers several ways to analyze even confidential agreements for signs of which party came out on top

James Nurton, London

The Chinese government says it is tired of seeing companies paying royalties abroad and wants to develop some technology standards of its own. Should the rest of the world be worried? Emma Barraclough reports

Brazil: The Brazilian government on June 24 told US drugs company Abbott Laboratories that if it does not lower the cost of its AIDS-fighting drug, Kaletra, the country would produce its own generic version. The government said that Abbott had 10 days to cut its price. As MIP went to press, no action had yet been taken.