BRICS Urged To Create New Model Of Internet Governance 16/07/2014 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments As the governments of the largest emerging economies gather this week in Brazil, a civil society coalition has issued a call for them to lead change in the global system of internet governance in light of revelations of mass surveillance. The groups provide suggestions for constructing a system that ensures human rights, equity and social justice for all people.
UN Human Rights Report Finds Significant Harm, Possible Illegality, In Mass Surveillance 16/07/2014 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay today released a report criticising government mass surveillance, including the coercion of companies to release individuals’ information without their knowledge or consent. This activity is “severely hindering” accountability in human rights violations, and that governments must prove the legality of their actions, she said.
With 51 Ratifications, Nagoya Protocol To Enter Into Force In October 15/07/2014 by Maëli Astruc for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources will enter into force on 12 October, following the ratification of 12 more countries last week.
360 Applicants Bid For Top WIPO Posts; Selection Process Underway 15/07/2014 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The World Intellectual Property Organization is currently engaged in an unprecedented process for the selection of the new top management team to serve under recently re-elected Director General Francis Gurry. The open call for applicants resulted in some 360 applications from around the world, including from the upper echelons of WIPO itself, according to sources.
UN Human Rights Council Takes Actions On Internet Rights, Corporations 14/07/2014 by Maëli Astruc for Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments At its recent session, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the internet. It also addressed a legally binding instrument on corporations’ responsibility to ensure human rights.
WHO Report On NCDs Praises Efforts By Countries, But Not Enough 11/07/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A World Health Organization report launched yesterday showed progress has been achieved in the fight against non-communicable diseases but it has been uneven, as some 38 million people die each year from those diseases.
More Liability For Internet Intermediaries Could Raise Information Control, Panellists Say 11/07/2014 by Maëli Astruc for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment At the recent University of Geneva summer course on internet law, one panel addressed challenges and strategies for internet intermediaries facing an increased burden of intellectual property rights protection online.
Seed Treaty Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary; Focus On Funding, Collaborations 10/07/2014 by Catherine Saez and Maëli Astruc for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The International Seed Treaty held a celebratory high-level event recently to mark the tenth anniversary of its entry into force.
WIPO Meeting On TK Protection Ends With No Agreement, Draft Texts Heading To Assembly 09/07/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The last World Intellectual Property Organization meeting before the annual General Assembly in September ended today, meeting the same fate as many others this year. The committee addressing the protection of genetic resources and traditional knowledge could not agree on recommendations to be transmitted to the Assembly, leaving it to the full membership in September.
1 Billion Euro First Call For Projects Under EU-Industry Innovation Partnerships 09/07/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The European Commission today launched the first call for projects of the EU Innovation Investment Package agreed last year. The investment package comprises seven public-private partnerships and four public-public partnerships, for a total investment of more than €22 billion euros.