The notorious MP3 site AllofMP3.com is still functioning – despite the US–Russian agreement on intellectual property.

Watertight protection is more important than the speed with which patents are granted, according to a survey of business and academia.

Three reports, two commissioned by possible next premier Gordon Brown and one inspired by him provide a glimpse of the future shape of UK innovation policy.

Indian firms are training large numbers of patent agents - with their eye on the large number of companies abroad looking for cheaper patenting.

Hailed as one of the most important recent discoveries in biology, RNA interference has seen patent applications rise 3,000 per cent between 2000 and 2003.

Lots of buzz preceded what was billed as the world's first live, multi-lot technology patent auction on April 6, but reality failed to meet expectations for many of the inventors who put up 400-plus patents for sale.

A Chicago merchant bank will take a new twist on selling intellectual property next week when it holds a live auction to sell 400-plus patents from some of the most valued technology innovators in the world. Lori Valigra looks at the list.