Employers' organisation the CBI today called for a major shake-up in the way Britain looks after its intellectual property interests in international markets and wants a new minister to be solely responsible for the job.

The call also appears to be a thinly veiled criticism of the international work of the UK Patent Office, the current guardian of Britain's intellectual property rights, which generate 8 per cent of UK wealth.

The CBI's outgoing director-general Sir Digby Jones said today: "Whereas the UK Patent Office is well regarded internationally, copyright policy in particular has drifted for too long.

"This must change. The importance of copyright needs to be recognised and it must be given the prominence it deserves."

In its formal submission to the five-month-old Gowers Review set up to examine patents, copyright and other intellectual property, the CBI said: "The UK Patent Office has a good record in consultation on policy issues under UK control.

"However, its record on consultation with UK stakeholders is less good when it is representing the UK position in international negotiations."

Intellectual roperty currently comes under Lord Sainsbury, Minister for Science and Innovation, but the CBI says: "IP is too important an issue to be just one of a number of responsibilities for a minister."

"The UK's ability to compete in the global economy depends on how it harnesses its knowledge and creativity. Only then can it create real value from innovation in the global marketplace and in the digital world, Sir Digby said.

"It is also disappointing that problems remain for small and medium-sized firms and individuals wanting to access the patent system. They continue to be hampered by costs and red tape. Incentives given through the tax system would help small firms cover the costs associated with applying for a patent."

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