ANTITRUST DIVISION TO CO-HOST HEARINGS ON
ANTITRUST AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ISSUES

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Assistant Attorney General Charles A. James announced today that the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission will co-host hearings on the relationship of antitrust law and intellectual property law with the Federal Trade Commission beginning in January 2002. The hearings on antitrust and intellectual property will be the first hearings ever to be hosted by the Antitrust Division.

"The interplay of antitrust and intellectual property is increasingly important in today's economy," said James. "It is incumbent on government policy makers to understand the implications of the actions they take in this area, and I look forward to receiving valuable input from relevant business, legal, academic and government groups through these hearings."

Through these public hearings the Antitrust Division and the FTC intend to enhance their understanding in this area and promote learning amongst the relevant parties.

Topics expected to be covered include issues such as the importance of the various types of intellectual property to businesses and innovation, the frequency and types of licensing, pooling and other arrangements for transfer or joint use of intellectual property, competition issues in patent settlements and unilateral refusals to deal involving intellectual property. The specific dates and topics of the hearings will be published in the Federal Register. A public report that summarizes the presentations made and submissions received during the hearings will be prepared at the conclusion of the hearings.

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