Assesses the global competitiveness of the U.S. computer software and service industries through an examination of distinct market segments. Examines external factors, such as government policies (intellectual property protection, telecommunications regulations, and export controls), and education trends. Internal factors are also examined such as host management strategies and product development strategies, that impact these industries. The analysis focuses primarily on the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Charts, tables and graphs.

In a landmark decision, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Signature Financial v. State Street Bank held that business methods may be patented. Recently, the US Supreme Court in Bilski v. Kappos left the door open for the availability of patents for business methods. These holdings, together with the explosive growth of electronic commerce and technology, make the business method patent an important growth area of intellectual property. Now in a revised Looseleaf format, this completely updated Second Edition of Business Method Patents is your guide to the unique opportunities and risks in this emerging area of intellectual property law. Business Method Patents, Second Edition is your authoritative source for expert guidance on: The landmark Supreme Court decision in Bilski v. Kappos USPTO view on business method patents, including an overview of BPAI rulings Mechanics of the patent application Prior art searches Drafting claims for business method or model and e-commerce inventions Drafting the complete specification Drawings required for business method patents Building a strategic patent portfolio Litigating business method patents International protection for business methods

This report, recognizing the important role information technology (IT) plays in the economy, explores the potential for a shortage of IT workers in the U.S. The demand for core IT workers -- computer programmers, systems analysts, and computer scientists and engineers -- is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, yet it is unclear if the U.S. education system can train enough of them to meet the growing demand. Sections: the demand for workers in the IT-driven economy; competitiveness issues; factors affecting the supply of IT workers; current responses to the shortage; and summary and further actions.

Vols. for 1984- include prospects for over 300 industries.