§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she has recently consulted trade bodies and user groups about proposals to change the UK's powers over intellectual property rights in international forums. [88008]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonChanges are under consideration in the Convention on the Future of Europe whose working documents are in the public arena. The work of the Convention has been drawn to the attention of industry and user representatives. Formal proposals have not yet emerged, but two relevant recommendations under discussion include a separate article for IP issues within a new EU treaty and extension of qualified majority voting to all areas of commercial policy including intellectual property. Further discussion on these issues will take place in the coming months.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to recommend changes to the division of responsibilities for intellectual property rights between the EU and the UK. [88009]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonChanges are under consideration in the Convention on the Future of Europe. Formal proposals have not yet emerged, but two relevant recommendations under discussion include a separate article for IP issues within a new EU treaty and extension of qualified majority voting to all areas of commercial policy including intellectual property. Further discussion on these issues will take place in the coming months.