Comments on the Transfer of Technology Block Exemption (Regulation 240/96) European Commission Evaluation Report(2)
Publication date : 26/04/2002 | Document Number : 225/573 Rev.
Whether for licensors or licensees of intellectual property in the EU, the scope of the TTBE is of great importance as it affects the legality and enforceability of licences.
Moreover, the TTBE sets the Commission's approach to the relationship between competition law and the protection of intellectual property rights. As stressed in the Report, protection for intellectual property rights and the protection of effective competition should be regarded as complementary, rather than opposed, as innovation in products and technologies is the ultimate source of competition. It is therefore important to find the right balance between protecting competition and protecting intellectual property rights.