Inhaltsangabe:Abstract: In recent years governments, international organisations and companies have all strengthened their activities regarding intellectual property rights (IPR). On the one hand, these activities are a response to developments in technology, politics and international business, i.e. the globalisation processes in general. On the other hand, these activities reinforce the globalisation processes. Similar to many other global trends there is a strong interdependence between cause and effect. However, it is unquestionable that IPR have become increasing important in the last few years, both on the macro and micro-economic level, and there is ample evidence to believe that this trend will accelerate in the future. Today, and even more in the future, nobody can afford to ignore the implications of IPR, neither governments, nor management boards. Intellectual property is one of the key tools of future international business. Most international companies have already included related topics like intellectual capital or intangible assets into their business strategies. However, also governments have to recognise the growing importance of intellectual property rights. The legal framework for IPR is a considerable factor of the success of their national economies and hence the wealth of their countries. This thesis analyses the influence of IPR on countries and companies. In addition to the economical aspects of IPR, the historical, philosophical and other factors are given due consideration. Furthermore, this work examines the chances and risks of the new IP related conditions for countries and companies, as well as suitable strategies to cope with the new requirements. Companies have to create intelligent patent strategies in order to protect their assets, to use effectively their R&D resources, and thus to stay competitive. Intellectual property can be used as shield and sword in the battle against competitors. Inhaltsverzeichnis:Table of Contents: 1.INTRODUCTION6 2.BASICS7 2.1Intellectual property7 2.2Philosophical bases9 2.3History12 2.4Organisations, treaties and conventions15 2.5Statistics20 3.INFLUENCE OF IPR ON COUNTRIES24 3.1General global tendencies24 3.1.1Globalisation: The term that polarises the world24 3.1.2The growing importance of information and knowledge26 3.1.3Global tendencies in IPR29 3.2Chances and threats of IPR31 3.2.1Motivation for IPR - supporter's arguments38 3.2.2Objections to IPR - [...]