UNDP Report Promotes Competition Law To Boost Access To Medicines 19/05/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The United Nations Development Programme has launched a new publication on the use of competition law to promote access to health technologies. The guidebook describes competition law as an underused tool to be harnessed by developing countries and is designed to help them proficiently using it.
Rise In Non-Communicable Diseases In Africa Needs To Be Addressed, Speakers Say 19/05/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The International Organisation of la Francophonie in collaboration with French pharmaceutical umbrella organisation “les Entreprises du médicaments,” organised a roundtable on non-communicable diseases on the eve of the annual World Health Assembly. Several health ministers as well as various stakeholders were invited to discuss “the fight against non-communicable diseases: a shared responsibility” on 18 May.
New Initiative To Address Lack Of Paediatric-Specific HIV Treatments 19/05/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment As the World Health Assembly, a new partnership has been launched by three major public health actors in the field of HIV treatment. The initiative is meant to find improved treatments for children suffering from HIV/AIDs. Although all actors agree that significant progress has been made on adult treatments, children-specific medicines are still lacking.
International Seed Treaty Brainstorming For Sustainability 14/05/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A working group established by the international seed treaty of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) this week is examining ways to raise its income level, in particular innovative approaches to attract more industry participation.
WIPO Committee To Review Development Agenda Implementation, Consider Proposals 14/05/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP) meets next week with a crowded agenda. There will be reports on development-related projects and core issues such as an independent review of WIPO’s implementation of its Development Agenda recommendations.
No Industrial Design Treaty At WIPO In 2014; Technical Assistance Still In The Way 10/05/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A World Intellectual Property Organization Extraordinary General Assembly was convened this week to confirm the re-election of Francis Gurry as director general, but also to decide on convening a treaty negotiation this year to finish a procedural treaty on industrial designs. No consensus was found on the design treaty, leaving the decision to be deferred to the General Assembly in September.
WIPO Director Gurry Speaks On Naming New Cabinet, Future Of WIPO 08/05/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment On the day of his re-election, 8 May, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry spoke briefly to Catherine Saez of Intellectual Property Watch on the process for selection of his senior management team and his vision for the future of the organisation.
Ecuador Signs Marrakesh Treaty On Copyright Exceptions For Visually Impaired 08/05/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Today at the World Intellectual Property Organization, Ecuador signed the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled, which is administered by WIPO.
Members Agree Details Of Re-Appointment Of WIPO Director General 08/05/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization General Assembly today approved the report of a working group tasked with drafting the conditions of re-appointment of the WIPO director general, who was re-elected today.
Gurry Re-Elected By Praiseful WIPO Membership; Some Ask For Transparent, Accountable Governance 08/05/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 5 Comments Some five minutes is all it took this morning for the World Intellectual Property Organization General Assembly to re-elect Francis Gurry at the head of WIPO for the next six years. All delegations taking the floor congratulated the director general and underlined the achievements under his current mandate. However, the matter of allegations by one of the WIPO deputy directors general is being investigated.