News

The head of Microsoft’s Cambridge lab outlines the strategy: to scout the science world for new software markets.

On Tuesday, October 24, IBM filed in Texas federal court two suits for patent infringement against Amazon Inc. While details of five patents were not disclosed, one patent attracted particular interest: Patent US 5,319,542 - Ordering Items Using an Electronic Catalogue. Is it possible that IBM challenges the famous “one-click order” patent of Amazon? In any case, if the suit comes to trial, it will provide an opportunity to test not only the validity of this particular patent, but more generally of “business methods” patents, which have been highly controversial.

The European Research Council has confirmed that its first grants will be targeted at young researchers with between two and eight years' postdoctoral experience.

QinetiQ is leading a new consortium from industry, academia and the "UK defence supply chain" for MEMs Applications for Defence.

This time it is a major drugs company that is setting up its fume cupboards in China.

Seven universities in Texas are to get $1.4 million from the US Department of Defense.

Do you qualify for R&D Tax Credits? The Treasury offers advice for companies that spend on R&D in the UK.

In my August 16 blog, I discussed the European challenge to Google Library project. I was sceptical about the chances of its success. Recent declarations of the French National Library director, Jean-Noel Jeanneney, the main promoter of the project, only reinforce my scepticism. According to Mr. Jeanneney, the project will be most probably called Europeana, to reflect its Greek-Latin lineage.