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Sam Mamudi, New York

Some of the best inventions are the simplest ones. The invention often lies in finding a neat solution to a well-known problem. Unfortunately, when patent lawyers and the (English) courts assess the differences between the invention and the prior art, the simplicity of an invention can sometimes be lost by focussing on the detail. A recent decision from the Court of Appeal, which upheld the validity of a relatively simple patent, is of note, particularly the comments made by Lord Justice Jacob on the "obvious to try" test (Saint-Gobain PAM SA v (1) Fusion Provida Limited (2) Electrosteel Castings Limited [2004] EWHC 2469 (Ch)).

The Singapore Patents Act deals with international patent applications that enter the National Phase in Singapore via PCT Chapter II (where the international filing date is before July 1 2004). Under the Act, the Patent Office must receive a copy of the International Preliminary Examination Report (IPER) before it can grant a patent. Simply issuing an IPER does, however, not guarantee that an international application is patentable.

In a follow-up to their article in the October 2004 issue of MIP, V Walter Bratic, Shirley Webster, Stafford Matthews and Robert S Harrell examine the role played by patent pools in technology licensing, and consider some of the concerns raised by competition authorities

On November 30 2004, the Senate sent for revision to the Lower Chamber of Representatives (Cámara de Diputados) a Decree to amend the Mexican Industrial Property Law. Among other amendments, the Decree includes amendments to Article 142 of the Law.

James Nurton, London

China must make its companies more IP-savvy if it is to graduate from being the world's factory floor to become a technological leader. Emma Barraclough looks at what needs to change and examines three companies that are leading the way

Questions of patentability are at the forefront of IP law in the Andean countries. Gabriela Nuñez argues that international pharmaceutical companies have gone too far in seeking protection in three recent cases

Keeping legal advice confidential is a crucial part of any litigation strategy. Des Ryan explains how recent Australian cases on privilege could force companies to re-examine how they seek guidance from their lawyers and IP specialists

Setting a royalty rate is an essential part of any technology agreement. Gareth Morgan considers the lessons from three recent English cases where royalty clauses were disputed