Brazil Issues US Retaliation List; Open To Talk 08/03/2010 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Today the Brazilian government published a list of US goods that will be subject to higher import taxes when entering Brazil, according to a press release. This follows a WTO dispute settlement decision giving Brazil the authorisation to suspend Brazil’s concessions and other obligations in the WTO towards the US which was found in violation […]
Submissions To US Unilateral IP Enforcement Process Highlight Piracy, Health, and ACTA 05/03/2010 by Catherine Saez and Kaitlin Mara for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Submissions to the United States annual review of how well it says the rest of the world is protecting US intellectual property are being assessed this week, with marked changes from previous years.
GIs Can Help Development, But Key Ingredients Are Needed, FAO Says 01/03/2010 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Geographical indications (GIs) can be a tool for sustainable development in rural areas and are attracting a rising interest from developing country producers, but some ingredients must be taken into account, such as an effective legal framework and collective management of the GIs, according to a recently released guide produced by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Brazil Takes Next Step Toward WTO Cross-Retaliation Against US 19/02/2010 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Brazilian President Lula has adopted a measure to enable the suspension of Brazil’s obligations to protect intellectual property rights from the United States, the next step after a World Trade Organization ruling of US non-compliance with WTO rules, according to an unofficial translation of the provisional Brazilian measure.
Biotech Marathon: Vaccines And Open Innovation, But Less IP? 16/02/2010 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment In a mad-dash 34-hour marathon, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry professionals met on 1-2 February in Geneva in what was intended to be a hearth of partnering opportunities. About 600 participants debated future trends and current challenges along with open innovation, global health and vaccines.
India Blocks GM Crop On Safety Concerns 12/02/2010 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment India this week placed a moratorium on the release of Bt-brinjal, a genetically modified eggplant, until independent scientific studies can establish the long-term impact on human health, environment, and biodiversity. According to the 9 February decision [pdf] by Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, in intense consultations, “opinions were sought from a number of scientists both […]
Advisory Group: ‘Near Perfect Storm’ Coming On Gene Patents In The US 10/02/2010 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments A report by a United States health department advisory group issued last week presents recommendations aimed at preventing patents on genes and licensing practices in the US from negatively impacting patient access to genetic tests that would allow them to establish their genetic dispositions to declare potential illnesses.
Year Ahead: Biotech And Patentability Under Debate In The US, EU 09/02/2010 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Biotechnology lies at the intersection of a wide spectrum of fields, such as agriculture, health and environment. Because biotechnology relates to life sciences, it is often the subject of ethical, sometimes intense political debates between stakeholders, in particular involving intellectual property rights. In 2010, as the first signs of global economic recovery are emerging, the debates are expected to increase.
African Plant Extract Freed From German Patent 01/02/2010 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The European Patent Office’s recent revocation of a German company’s patent on a plant extract is being seen by some as a step toward fighting biopiracy related to intellectual property rights. In its 26 January decision, the EPO considered the compliance of the company with the Conventional on Biodiversity rules on access and benefit sharing. […]
Year Ahead: Stronger Protection, Harmonisation Among Goals For Trademarks And GIs In 2010 21/01/2010 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Enforcement of rights and a global harmonisation of systems look to be among the focal points of trademark and geographical indications policy in 2010. Significant activity will occur in these areas in Europe. But whether it is the setting up of a database for trademark registration, amendments to the Lisbon Treaty on the Protection of Appellation of Origin, or the evaluation of the European trademark system, efforts to improve current tools are showing at national and international levels.