Committee Reports::Report - Industrial and Commercial Property (Protection) Bill, 1925::22 June, 1926::Report

REPORT.

1. The Bill repeals and substantially re-enacts, with the necessary modifications consequent on the establishment of Saorstát Eireann as a separate State, the existing statute law relating to the grant of patents, the registration of designs and trade marks, and the protection of copyright.


2. Since its introduction the Bill has been the subject of much expert criticism. As a result of this criticism and for other reasons, especially because of the fact that there have been no administrative provisions since the establishment of Saorstát Eireann for the grant of patents or registration of designs and trade marks, the Department of Industry and Commerce has submitted for the consideration of the Joint Committee a considerable number of amendments.


3. The Joint Committee recommend the amendment of the Bill in the directions indicated in the Schedule hereto and for the reasons therein stated. There are certain other matters mentioned in the Schedule which they recommend should be left for the consideration of the Department of Industry and Commerce with a view to the proposal of further amendments if considered advisable.


4. The Joint Committee are of opinion that the Bill, amended in the manner suggested, makes satisfactory provision for the grant of patents, the registration of designs and trade marks, and the protection of copyright; and also for the reciprocal protection, as between Saorstát Eireann and other countries, of inventors, authors and owners of trade marks.


(Signed),


S. L. BROWN,


Chairman of the Joint Committee.


22nd June, 1926.