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Press Releases

22nd January 2013
FASTs 'IP for Growth' at the heart of Westminster
Industry experts to discuss latest developments in IP law at event on 23rd January 2013, Terrace Pavilion, Palace of Westminster
 
Members of the Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) will assemble at the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 23rd January 2013 to discuss the latest developments in the industry and in software Intellectual Property (IP) law. Topics on the agenda will range from legal decisions and how IP is treated across Government, to the impact of cloud computing.
 
The event, hosted by Fiona Bruce MP, will see a host of industry experts, including Charles Arthur, the Guardian’s Technology Editor, Pete Wishart MP and His Honour Judge Colin Birss QC, share their views on how changes in technology and business models, including the application of the law, are shaping the exploitation of Intellectual Property.
 
Julian Heathcote Hobbins, General Counsel at FAST, said: “This is no doubt an exciting time in IP. Technology marches on a pace. 2013 promises to yield some real gains in the fight against software piracy, with the government’s recently announced plans to strengthen enforcement and provide additional support to SMEs in the protection of their IP. The anti-piracy war is yet to be won but considerable effort remains focused. This will shed much needed light on pertinent issues to the sector and provide valuable insight into the year ahead.”
 
Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire and Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Intellectual Property Group (APIP), added: “Legislators must keep up with the pace of technology.  Intellectual Property, and the protection thereof, remain of keen importance to economic growth, so it’s vital that the creators of content may create with certainty of a return for the investment made.”
 
Keynote speakers on the day will include:
 
  • Charles Arthur, Technology Editor, The Guardian, will provide insight on key players, trends, and challenges for the industry in 2013
  • Pete Wishart, MP Vice Chair of the All Party Group for Intellectual Property, will offer a summary of the recent findings of this Group on the role of the Government in Promoting and Protecting Intellectual Property
  • His Honour Colin Birss QC, judge sitting in the Patents County Court, will discuss key legal developments in the tech sector
  • Andy Burton, Chairman of the Cloud Industry Forum, will discuss how cloud is driving a paradigm shift in the creation and delivery of IP

 

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About FAST

The Federation Against Software Theft was formed in 1984; it was the first organisation globally to champion the professional management of legitimate software and protect publishers' rights. It aims to reduce, restrict and or lessen the incidence of unauthorised dealings in computer software.

FAST is a not-for-profit organisation limited by guarantee and wholly owned by its members. It works on many fronts to promote the legitimate use of software and protect its members' rights through education, enforcement, lobbying and promoting standards and best practice in business. www.fast.org

Press Contacts:

Robin Campbell-Burt
Spreckley Partners Ltd.
T: 020 7388 9988
E: fastiis@spreckley.co.uk