Geographical Indications At WIPO: Members Dissent On Participation In Treaty Talks31/10/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 CommentMembers of a World Intellectual Property Organization treaty protecting appellations of origins who are seeking to revise that treaty to include geographical indications were opposed this week by several WIPO member states seeking to have a say in the adoption of the revision. The issue has raised a question for WIPO about participation in treaties and agreements.
TRIPS Council Debates: Tobacco Packaging, Non-Violation Disputes, Innovation, Health Waiver, UNCTAD30/10/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 CommentThis week’s meeting of the World Trade Organization body governing intellectual property issues addressed a long agenda, reflecting continued divergence on regular items, such as complaints that do not involve breach of a WTO agreement, a health waiver, and sustained discussions on plain packaging for tobacco products.
European Commission Holds Consultation On Patents And Standards29/10/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentThe European Commission Directorate General for Enterprise and Industry is gathering stakeholder input on standardisation and intellectual property rights, in order to assess the current framework on patents and standard and look at how it should evolve. Standard-setting cuts across many organisations at the national, European and international levels. Views are being sought until January 2015.
UK Opens Access To 91 Million Orphan Works, UKIPO Says29/10/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 CommentsThe United Kingdom today launched a new licensing scheme aimed at opening access to more than 91 million creative works whose owners or copyright holders are not known or not found.
First Innovation Fair Hosted At WTO, Draws Diverse Projects With IP In Mind29/10/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentThe World Trade Organization hosted an Innovation Fair on 28 October, gathering inventors, supporting agencies, and patent offices. A number of inventions were displayed and explained, from concrete walls to motorisation for bicycles.
Draft Revision To Provide Higher Protection To GIs Fine-Tuned At WIPO28/10/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentThe contracting parties of the agreement protecting appellations of origin at the World Intellectual Property Organization are meeting this week to fine-tune a draft revision of this agreement to include geographical indications. The end of the week is scheduled to be devoted to a preparatory committee of a high-level negotiating meeting in 2015 to adopt the revision.
WHO Ebola Vaccine Meeting Draws Commitment From Pharma, Donors; MSF Sees Need For Concrete Actions24/10/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentA high-level meeting convened by the World Health Organization yesterday on the issue of access to and financing of Ebola vaccines resulted in a set of commitments, though not with sufficient urgency for those working on the ground. The pharmaceutical industry committed to scale up production, while donors pledged funds without disclosing how deep their pockets might be.
New To Copyright: Canada’s Idea For Political Advertising Exception24/10/2014 by Simon Doyle for Intellectual Property Watch 2 CommentsThe Canadian Conservative government is considering a new copyright exception for political advertising that would be unique in the world and address an issue already covered by Canada’s constitutional rights, copyright experts said.
WIPO Launches Guide On Use Of IP For Arts And Cultural Festivals24/10/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 CommentThe World Intellectual Property Organization announced the publication of a practical guide on how best to use intellectual property for organisers of arts and cultural festivals.
USPTO Director-Nominee Lee Calls For ‘Responsible Stewardship’ Of Patent System23/10/2014 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 CommentIn perhaps her first big speech since being nominated by President Obama to head the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Michelle Lee today told an industry meeting today to use the patent system responsibly and with balance. The agency is embarking on a new global effort to streamline processes and improve quality. And for the first time in a long time, she said, USPTO has the financial resources to do it.
