WHO, IFRC Tap Swiss Federal Funds For New Buildings 12/02/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Health Organization and International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent have received approval of the Swiss Federal Council to receive millions of Swiss francs in loans for the purpose of planning new buildings in Geneva.
USTR Announces “Notorious” Markets For Counterfeiting, Piracy In 2013 12/02/2014 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The Office of the United States Trade Representative today published its annual list of online and physical marketplaces worldwide that are most engaged in sales and trafficking of counterfeit and pirated goods.
Interviews With The Candidates For WIPO Director General 12/02/2014 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments Member states of the UN World Intellectual Property Organization, the global body for international IP policy issues, will vote on 6 March for the next WIPO director general for six years. Intellectual Property Watch asked the candidates four key questions. Here are their responses.
DNDi Director: ‘Reality Check’ Needed For Neglected Diseases 11/02/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Research and development into neglected diseases – those predominately affecting poorer populations and for which there is little commercial incentive – is undergoing “remarkable advances and rude set-backs,” says Bernard Pécoul, executive director of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi). Now, governments need to show stronger leadership in bringing about long-term solutions, he said.
WIPO Director General Election: How It Works 03/02/2014 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments On 6 March, the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization will hold its once-every-six-year election for a director general, a prized post in the multilateral system. Tomorrow (4 February), the candidates will face member states and take questions. Intellectual Property Watch explains the process.
African Union Backs WIPO DG Candidate Geoffrey Onyeama 03/02/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The 54-member African Union last week declared its support for Geoffrey Onyeama as a candidate for director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization.
WIPO Issues Tribute To Pete Seeger 03/02/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization has posted a tribute to legendary American folk singer, songwriter and activist Pete Seeger, who died on 27 January at the age of 94.
WIPO Patent Law Committee Agrees On Studies, Seminars, Website Updates 01/02/2014 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Members of the World Intellectual Property Organization patent law committee this week bridged significant differences and agreed on a range of activities for future work, each with their own goals for the international patent system in mind.
MSF: AstraZeneca Pullout Of Neglected Disease R&D Proof System Broken 31/01/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Following news reports that pharmaceutical producer AstraZeneca will end its spending on early stage research and development for tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases, Médecins Sans Frontières issued a statement saying the move is further proof that substantive change to the global pharmaceutical R&D system is needed.
In State Of The Union, Obama Highlights Need For Patent Reform, Trade 29/01/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment In the annual State of the Union speech of the United States president to Congress last night, President Obama described an innovation race, and highlighted the importance of trade agreements and passage of patent reform legislation.