As South Sudan Joins East African Community, Some Experts Worry Over Its IP Laws 08/03/2016 by Fredrick Nzwili for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment NAIROBI, Kenya — Experts and activists are raising concern over the lack of proper intellectual property laws in South Sudan, as the world’s newest nation’s admission into the East Africa Community (EAC) spurs anticipation of increased investment.
Findings of EU Project On Conservation Of Genetic Resources Due Out In June 07/03/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The findings, conclusions and preliminary recommendations of a European Commission initiative on the conservation and sustainable use of genetic diversity are to be presented in June, the Commission has announced.
Foreign Copyright Holders Could More Actively Protect IP In Russia 07/03/2016 by Eugene Gerden for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Russia is continuing to strengthen its national legislation in the field of intellectual property, through the provision of means for foreign copyright holders to more actively protect their intellectual property in Russia and the elimination of bureaucratic hurdles, according to official sources.
TRIPS Council: Differing Views On IP Education; New Database Project Launched 04/03/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Discussions on the worth of intellectual property for innovation and development have been a recurring agenda item during recent meetings of the World Trade Organization committee on intellectual property. This week, education and how it can raise awareness of IP was discussed with WTO members presenting their national experiences, and some developing countries warning against colluding IP and innovation.
Apple-FBI Case Has “Serious Global Ramifications,” UN Human Rights Chief Says 04/03/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, today issued a statement urged United States law enforcement authorities to exercise caution in their legal fight against Apple computer company, saying it could have “extremely damaging implications for the human rights of many millions of people, including their physical and financial security.”
WHO To Hold Stakeholder Consultation On Status Of Zika Research Next Week 04/03/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Health Organization has announced it will hold a closed-door, three-day consultation with key stakeholders next week in Geneva to discuss the current status of clinical research into the Zika virus.
Alleged R&D Costs: Not A Transparent Driver Of Drug Prices 04/03/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments Whether laws enforcing transparency on costs would help curb extortionate drug prices in today’s world is hardly predictable now that pharma companies and their allies are lobbying governments to scupper any rules that would require them to disclose the real R&D costs and profits of their medicines and the rationale for charging what they do, writes Daniele Dionisio.
European Patents Rising; EPO President Denies Retirement Package 03/03/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment BRUSSELS — Patents applications are on the rise in Europe the European Patent Office President Benoît Battistelli said today, with half of the applications coming from European inventors. The United States led followed by Germany, and Japan, and China showing a strong growth. The EPO president also announced the signature of an agreement with one trade union against a background of social unrest in the organisation.
IEEE Patent Policy Changes Seek To Put Brakes On Surging Litigation 03/03/2016 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Intense debate, reignited by a 2012 International Telecommunication Union roundtable on rampant patent litigation and the “innovation-stifling” use of intellectual property, together with the growing lack of standards bodies’ patent policies, prompted the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE) last year to revisit parts of its patent policy that had been causing some concerns, Managing Director Konstantinos Karachalios said at a 17 February Oxfirst webinar. The changes aim to clear up some ambiguities. Perhaps predictably, however, some pushback has arisen among industries affected by the change.
USTR Strikes IP Deal With Honduras On Generic Cheese, Signal Piracy 02/03/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The government of Honduras has committed to a work plan for protecting intellectual property rights that includes recognition of food names considered generic by the United States such as “parmesano” (parmesan), provolone and bologna, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced today. Other commitments include signal piracy related to cable and satellite, and a customs trademark registry.