Europe’s Outlook For 2011: EU Patent, Digital Content, Innovation And Free Trade 13/01/2011 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The Digital Agenda’s hoped-for role as a key growth driver for Europe’s flagging economy has pushed intellectual property issues into a high-priority spot on the EU’s policy agenda for 2011. In an effort to boost job creation and innovation, the European Commission is looking to improve online content licensing, access and protection. And despite continuing opposition from several countries, the long-awaited European patent is finally moving forward. Debate is also heating up on new ways to encourage biomedical innovation, and on a proposed EU-India free trade pact.
US Supreme Court Expected To Weaken Patent Validity 12/01/2011 by Steven Seidenberg for Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments Patents will soon receive less protection in the United States. That’s the view of many experts who have been closely following Microsoft Corp. v. i4i Ltd. Partnership, which will be argued before the United States Supreme Court later this year.
Report Shows IP Rightsholders Being Left Behind Online 12/01/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A new private sector report shows that billions of visitors are going to websites selling products and services worldwide, but accentuates the fact that most of these visits involve transactions not controlled by the intellectual property rights owners.
WTO Plans Talks On Geographical Indications 11/01/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments World Trade Organization members are scheduled to meet this week to discuss a geographical indications register as part of the intensifying negotiations under the Doha Round.
Patent Reform, Piracy, Generic Drug Issues Likely For US Congress This Year 11/01/2011 by Liza Porteus Viana, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Although attempts to repeal last year’s healthcare reform bill and efforts to get the deficit under control may take up much of the United States Congress’ time this year, lawmakers are expected to tackle a number of intellectual property-related priorities lawmakers, including patent reform, internet neutrality, and enforcement during the new 112th session.
EFF Examples Of Public Benefit Of Wikileaks 11/01/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The Electronic Frontier Foundation has posted several examples of benefits to the public of disclosures of confidential documents by Wikileaks. Details here.
The 2011 Drug Patent ‘Cliff’ And The Evolution Of IP Valuation 11/01/2011 by Liza Porteus Viana, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment In today’s global economy, there is an increasing convergence of intellectual property and finance. Wall Street is grappling with how to recognise the true value of a firm’s intellectual property. Companies are realising that simply accumulating patents does not necessarily increase their firms’ value, but it is how those patents are used that can attract capital. And drug companies facing massive numbers of upcoming patent expiries, a deflated economy and other market pressures, are looking to diversify their portfolios to stay in the black.
The Top Legal IP Issues In The United States In 2011 07/01/2011 by Steven Seidenberg for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The year 2010 was a turbulent year for intellectual property law in the United States, and 2011 promises more of the same. The following are some of the top US IP developments to watch in the coming year.
Special Report: Music Industry’s Lavish Lobby Campaign For Digital Rights 06/01/2011 by Bruce Gain for Intellectual Property Watch 13 Comments The music industry has spent tens of millions of dollars to lobby government officials worldwide during the past decade, but whether or not the initiative has helped to shape a viable legal and commercial framework is a subject of debate.
Roche Exec Takes Over At Medicines For Malaria Venture 06/01/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A top Swiss company executive on pandemic influenza and HIV/AIDS research took the reins of the Geneva-based Medicines for Malaria Venture this week, just weeks after MMV was given international organisation status by the Swiss government.