US Study Calls For Objective Data To Inform Review Of Copyright Policy 03/05/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The US National Research Council has issued a report that looks at copyrighted works in the age of the internet, and finds a need for objective data and independent empirical research on copyright protection and the limits it can place on innovation and free speech. This comes as efforts are underway to review US copyright policy.
Final Two WTO Director Candidates Highlight Technology And IP 01/05/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The selection process for the next director general of the World Trade Organization is down to two candidates, both from Latin America. Intellectual Property Watch asked them to comment on why they would be the best leader for those interested in technology and intellectual property rights.
In “Great Shame,” WIPO Fund For Indigenous Peoples’ Participation Running Dry 26/04/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The participation of indigenous peoples at the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization has become compromised as the funds allowing the organisation to invite indigenous peoples representatives is running dry. At the outset of this week’s WIPO committee seeking to produce an international instrument providing protection to traditional knowledge, an indigenous panel mapped out international agreements recognising their specific rights.
Anti-Counterfeiters Focus On Organised Crime, Softer Public Message 25/04/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Istanbul – The unsuspecting consumer must above all be protected against counterfeit products, speakers said today at meeting of private sector, intergovernmental and governmental representatives. But increasingly organised crime is dealing the products, and anti-counterfeiting forces need to be as innovative as possible to defeat it. Fortunately, the private sector is ready to step up to help cash-strapped governments, and it is taking the “respect for IP” message to … children.
Mixed Reactions Among Participants In WIPO Talks On Treaty For The Blind 22/04/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments At the close of this week’s negotiating session for an international treaty on copyright exceptions for blind and visually impaired persons, some governments, including upcoming host Morocco, expressed disappointment in the outcome of a three-day drafting session, as it left so much for the diplomatic conference. But most said they are optimistic that solutions can be found.
WIPO Members Send Draft Treaty For The Blind To Marrakesh 22/04/2013 by William New and Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Members of the World Intellectual Property Organization have completed work on a draft treaty on copyright exceptions for the blind and visually impaired and agreed to move to a diplomatic conference in Morocco in June. But the text contains many areas displaying the difficulty in easing cross-border access to materials for blind people while protecting copyright holders’ interests.
Time Ticking For WIPO Delegates On Copyright Exceptions Treaty 19/04/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A new text has been the subject of negotiation today by a committee seeking to finalise a draft treaty providing exceptions and limitations to copyrights so that blind and visually impaired people have facilitated access to special format books. Delegates are seeking to find language through agreed statements as a way out of prickly issues.
Race For WTO Director General Down To Five Candidates 12/04/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The number of candidates seeking to be the next director general of the World Trade Organization has dropped from nine down to five.
New SMS Tool To Report Non-Tariff Trade Barriers At African Borders 12/04/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Small traders and businesses facing barriers to moving goods across African borders now can send a mobile phone text message alert that could help resolve the problems more quickly.
Reports: Obama’s Proposed 2014 Budget Favours Patent Office, R&D, Generic Drugs 11/04/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment US President Barack Obama yesterday released his proposed budget for fiscal year 2014, and according to reports it would give the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) control over its revenues, and would be mixed for the biopharmaceutical industry while taking several steps to boost generic medicines.