One of the worst IP systems for consumers

That's how Consumers International rate the UK, in a recent report, which places only Thailand and Brazil (out of 30 countries) below us. Hat tip to Out-Law (of course!) for alerting me to it. The report seems to focus - naturally enough - on matters like home copying, on which UK law is found badly wanting. There is also criticism for the increase in copyright term for sound recordings - the complete antithesis of evidence-based policy-making. the lack of pre-grant opposition system in patent law is another area - showing that this isn't only about copyright. I hope they might have a go at trade marks in the future, too!