WIPO Defends Involvement In IP Enforcement Meeting In The Philippines 24/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The World Intellectual Property Organization, a United Nations agency with nearly 200 member states, is under criticism for its connection with a Western industry-heavy event this week in the Philippines aimed at fighting intellectual property counterfeiting and piracy. The concern from technology industry and consumer advocates is that WIPO is involved in an overly one-sided event and did not sufficiently notify its diverse membership or the public of its activities.
WTO IP Committee Addresses Medicines Access, Plain-Packaged Tobacco, ACTA 23/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Trade Organization committee responsible for intellectual property rights issues is meeting this week and will address several items of potential debate, including a nearly unused 2003 provision for compulsory-licensed medicines exports to poor countries, a WTO member’s attempt to discourage smoking through unlabelled tobacco packaging, and IP enforcement raised by a small but potent group of WTO members who negotiated the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA).
Palestinian Membership In UNESCO Could Raise Questions For US At WIPO 21/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Members of the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) are preparing to vote to allow Palestine to become a member, according to sources. If this happens, it could create uncertainty about United States membership in UN agencies, including the World Intellectual Property Organization.
WIPO To Launch New Drug R&D Database For Neglected Disease Licences 19/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The World Intellectual Property Organization, in conjunction with the World Health Organization, private sector and foundation partners, is preparing to launch a new voluntary database for the sharing of intellectual property for research and development on medicines, vaccines and diagnostics for neglected diseases, according to sources in Geneva.
WTO Trains Officials On TRIPS Flexibilities For Public Health 18/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The World Trade Organization today concluded a four-day training session to help officials from developing countries better understand the flexibilities to intellectual property rights built into international trade rules on IP.
WIPO Members Embark On Busy Year Of IP Policymaking 17/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment World Intellectual Property Organization members this month approved a range of reports from WIPO negotiating committees and took note of changes within the UN agency. Now with the annual WIPO General Assemblies over, work has begun on a hefty policymaking work programme this autumn. Here’s a rundown of what’s coming.
Tech Industry Raises Concern Over Protect IP Act 14/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments Several US trade associations representing the high-tech and communications industries raised concerns this week about a bill in Congress that would boost the US government’s ability to take down websites over fears of intellectual property infringement. The tech industry groups said the bill could have a negative impact on the economy and jobs, they said.
US IP Rights Holders Hail New FTAs With Colombia, Panama, Korea 13/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Groups representing intellectual property rights holders in the United States are hailing the newly passed bilateral free trade agreements between the US and Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.
US Senator Questions Constitutionality Of ACTA 12/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 10 Comments The Obama administration’s recent signing of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement may face a US constitutional challenge as a member of the US Senate today called into question the administration’s power to negotiate and enter into such a trade agreement without Congress’s approval.
Comings And Goings In The World Of IP 12/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Resignations, retirements, appointments, and promotions are shaking up the status quo in the intellectual property world, opening the door of possibility for change in strategy and decision-making across industries and sectors.