The last decade has been characterised by a tightening of IPR regulations worldwide. The premise underlying this trend is that the stringent regulation of IPRs enhances innovativeness. IPRs have been identified as a central aspect of EU innovation policy. The harmonisation of IPRs provides a clear-cut mechanism for reducing trade barriers and simplifying existing national regulations. The question of whether IPRs should be further strengthened in conjunction with their harmonisation is subject to controversy. The main message of this paper is that changes in IP regimes should be used cautiously and assessed through careful evaluation.