The document discusses the relationship between patents and technical standards. It notes that standards aim to promote compatibility, interoperability, and adoption of new technologies. Both patents and standards encourage innovation and diffusion of technology, but there can be conflicts when a standard requires use of patented technology. To address this, standards organizations have developed patent policies requiring disclosure of relevant patents and commitments to license them on reasonable terms. However, these policies have drawbacks and disputes can still arise. The document explores legislative, contractual, and alternative dispute resolution options to improve the situation.

1. PATENTS AND STANDARDS BY E. SHELLEY ANANDHAVALLI

14. Technical and patent information available under the patent system and the standardization system