The technology innovation agency bill

The Technology Innovation Agency Bill provides for the establishment of the technology Innovation Agency (TIA) which is aimed at promoting and intensifying innovation and inventions thereby improving economic growth and ultimately improving the quality of life of all South Africans.

The aim of the Agency is to provide financial and any other assistance to any person, consortium or enterprise to develop any technological innovation or invention.

The Agency is a consolidation of existing initiatives and it may:
I. apply for patents or the revocation thereof
II. oppose the grant of patents
III. institute any action in respect of any infringement of patents
IV. acquire any right in or to any technological innovation, invention or patent from any person, consortium or enterprise
V. assign any person, consortium or enterprise any right in or to any technological innovation or invention or patent.

The building blocks of the TIA include:
• Biotechnology Regional Innovation Centres(BRICs) such as Biopad, Lifelabs and Cape Biotech
• Innovation Fund (IF)
• AMTS project (AMTS)
• Advanced Minerals Initiative (AMI)
• Hydrogen Economy Competency Centres
• Health Innovation Competency Centres

Due to the fact that the nature and proposed functions of the TIA extend beyond the scope of the Inventions Development Act, the latter was repealed with the introduction of the TIA Bill. However, anything done in terms of the Inventions Development Act, 1962 (Act No.31 of 1962), prior to the commencement of the TIA Bill and which may be done in terms of this act, must be regarded as having been done in terms of the Act.

The Science and Technology portfolio heard submissions from interested groups on this Bill on 12 February 2008. Workshops have already been held on the TIA Bill in February and March 2008.

Esmé du Plessis
Consultant
edp@adamsadams.co.za

Kutlwano Hutamo
Candidate Attorney
kutlwano-h@adamsadams.co.za