WIPO Traditional Knowledge: Text Passes Committee Approval, Goes To Next Session23/09/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentWorld Intellectual Property Organization delegates today agreed on a text compiling divergent views on how traditional knowledge should be protected in the intellectual property system to be forwarded to the next session of its committee on the protection of traditional knowledge. Some clear dividing lines remain, such as traditional knowledge which is widely known and could have been placed in the public domain, or if conditions of eligibility should be part of a potential treaty.
Shared Experiences Of Indigenous Peoples In The WIPO Negotiating Process22/09/2016 by Alexandra Nightingale for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentMembers of indigenous communities this week shared their experiences in negotiating for their rights at the World Intellectual Property Organization and gave their advice on negotiations for potential treaties on genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore.
Nagoya Protocol Gains Members, Implications Spread Ripples22/09/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentThe UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) announced early this month that five new countries ratified its protocol on access and benefit sharing of genetic resources, bringing membership to 85 countries.
First Revised Articles Of Potential Treaty Protecting TK At WIPO Issued Today21/09/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 CommentA new set of draft articles of a potential treaty protecting traditional knowledge from misuse and misappropriation was issued this morning. Facilitators of the discussions worked late last night to produce a document with a number of alternative texts, reflecting points of views of member states.
New Suggestions Under Discussion In WIPO Traditional Knowledge Talks20/09/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentDelegates at the World Intellectual Property Organization have started trying to better clarify the different positions countries have on the protection of traditional knowledge. Today facilitators to the discussions provided textual suggestions on the objective of a potential treaty, the definition of traditional knowledge, and whom the treaty should benefit.
After Two-Year Hiatus, WIPO Resumes Discussions On Protecting Traditional Knowledge19/09/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentHow can traditional knowledge be protected against misappropriation and who should benefit from this protection is at the heart of discussions at the World Intellectual Property Organization this week. After over a two-year hiatus, WIPO delegates are resuming discussions this week on a potential treaty protecting traditional knowledge. The week’s focus is to find common understanding of core issues, such as the definition of traditional knowledge, and the scope of protection.
Switzerland Champions Disclosure Requirement In Patents, Counters US Interpretation15/09/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 CommentThe government of Switzerland has issued a defence of its national law on disclosure of origin of genetic resources in patent applications, finding fault with the interpretation of its law by the United States. The Swiss response comes on the eve of a World Intellectual Property Organization meeting on related issues.
Kenya In Drive To Get Artisans, Designers To Embrace IP13/09/2016 by Maina Waruru for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentNAIROBI, Kenya — At a market stall in Kariokor some 300 metres from Kenya’s capital Nairobi city centre, Stephen Musyoka is busy at work making covers for handwoven baskets, a traditional sisal fibre shopping basket known as Kiondo made by older women from different communities in Kenya.
A Principle Of Balance: Top Official Explains India’s IP Policy07/09/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentAdopted in May, the first Indian intellectual property policy brought some concerns that the focus on IP rights might dampen India’s willingness to use the IP flexibilities to safeguard national policy space. It was also perceived by some as giving in to pressure from the foreign pharmaceutical industry for India to strengthen patent protection. However, a high level Indian official in an interview this week said the policy caters to Indian development needs and India is aware of its pioneering role in certain sectors like access to medicines.Rajiv Aggarwal, Joint Secretary at the Indian Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion Ministry of Commerce & Industry sat down with Intellectual Property Watch’s Catherine Saez to describe how India’s IP policy came into being, to what aim, what it is expected to change in the Indian IP landscape, and how Indian is standing fast to its principle of balance.
Access And Benefit Sharing Mentioned In US Patent For Natural Dye, Might Be A First01/09/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 2 CommentsA recent patent granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to a Colombian company stated where the genetic resource of the invention was taken from and described the access and benefit-sharing agreement made with indigenous communities. This might be the first time that such a statement appears in a US patent, according to a source.
