Paul Meller, Brussels

Sworn enemies within the technology and pharmaceutical industries are joining forces in a lobbying drive to persuade European Union lawmakers to change a draft law they say will stifle innovation in Europe by criminalising patent infringements, along with all forms of intellectual property infringements.

As the countries of the European Union struggle to meet their targets for R&D growth, they are looking at new tax breaks for entrepreneurs. Good news, or too little too late?