The global economy is undergoing a major shift. For a nation to be competitive it must strengthen its research agenda, become innovative, strengthen and protect its intellectual property, and find resources for the continuing education of its citizens.

Intellectual property is already a big component of global trade and rising. Consequently, the number of crossborder disputes and multiple infringement suits related to patents is also increasing. Their resolution is complicated because the scope and coverage of patent protection differs from country to
country.