Brazil, India Get Developed Country Support For TRIPS Amendment On Biodiversity 15/06/2006 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Two new proposals on the relationship of international agreements on the protection of biodiversity were discussed at the World Trade Organization (WTO) yesterday, one of which supports a developing country view. But member states still disagree as to whether there is a conflict between international rules. The new proposals were tabled by Japan [Japan Proposal] […]
Geographical Indications Register Still Stuck As WTO Meetings Continue 13/06/2006 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment World Trade Organization (WTO) discussion of a multilateral register for wines and spirits that derive their names from geographical locations seemed to hit a new low today as the chair ended a meeting after 15 minutes because of lack of movement. “The chair seemed quite bitter,” two participants said. The chair, Ambassador Manzoor Ahmad of […]
WIPO Head Proposes New Top-Level Appointments; Elevates Chinese Official 01/06/2006 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment By Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen and William New Following intensive consultations with member states in recent weeks, World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Kamil Idris has put forward names for the top positions at WIPO, including the proposal to replace one American with another and the creation of a new post to be filled by […]
Developing Countries Propose TRIPS Amendment On Disclosure 01/06/2006 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments A group of six developing countries led by India have submitted a proposal to the World Trade Organization (WTO) suggesting changes to international trade law to include specific requirements for disclosure of where biological material has been obtained from in patent applications. If adopted, this could mean that anyone applying for a patent based on […]
Brazil Fights To Make Case For International Biodiversity Protection 31/05/2006 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Brazil has arguably the earth’s richest source of biological diversity, and it is fighting to get help at the international level to protect those natural resources from what it says is unfair exploitation through patents by companies and others in and outside Brazil. While industry argues that the Brazilian law regulating the use of genetic […]
World Health Organization To Elect New Director General In November 31/05/2006 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to speed up the process of electing a new director general and will meet in November to nominate a candidate who will be proposed to a special session of the World Health Assembly. The decision was reached in the form of a resolution at […]
World Health Assembly Adopts Milestone R&D Resolution 27/05/2006 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The World Health Assembly today agreed to establish an intergovernmental group to develop a global plan on research and development for diseases predominantly affecting developing countries. The agreement reflects a bridging of significant gaps between parties on the issue a few weeks ago. The resolution was adopted in 90 seconds with no debate, a developed […]
World Health Assembly Adopts Resolution Tying Public Health To Trade Policy 27/05/2006 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Health Assembly today adopted a resolution that urges member states to improve coordination at the national level between international trade and public health, requesting the World Health Organization (WHO) to help its member states to do this. The resolution calls for governments to promote a better dialogue on trade and health, and gives […]
Agreement Reached On IP And Public Health Resolution At WHO 27/05/2006 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A technical group at the World Health Assembly today agreed on a resolution that will increase the worldwide research and development focus on diseases that disproportionately affect developing countries. Brazil and Kenya, which have been driving the issue, welcomed the resolution, which is expected to be adopted tomorrow, 27 May. The text of the resolution […]
World Health Assembly Debates New Draft Text Merging IP Resolutions 25/05/2006 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment By Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen and William New A drafting group at the UN World Health Assembly today suggested a possible merger of two key intellectual property resolutions, including the establishment a global strategy and plan of action for research into diseases disproportionately affecting poor countries with action to be taken possibly within a year. […]