Trump Declares Intent To Stop Pharma Companies From ‘Gaming’ Patent System 11/05/2018 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments US President Trump today declared in a White House speech his intent to “take steps” to lower drug prices by stopping “gaming of regulatory and patent processes by drug makers to unfairly protect monopolies,” as well as increasing price transparency and promoting biosimilars and generics. But to do this, his administration will take on what it sees as “freeloading” on US innovation by foreign governments, and addressing “unfair” intellectual property and market access policies in trade agreements.
New Guidelines For Tech Companies To Be Transparent, Accountable On Censoring User Content 07/05/2018 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Facebook, Google and other social media companies today were urged by groups such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation to “publicly report how many user posts they take down, provide users with detailed explanations about takedowns, and implement appeals policies to boost accountability.” The groups released a set of guidelines to address censorship.
USTR IP Report Sparks Outcry Among Health Advocates 27/04/2018 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments The annual Special 301 report of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) issued today sparked a quick outcry among health advocates over its seemingly more restrictive approach they say bullies other countries into unfairly promoting US pharmaceutical industry rights to an extent that would raise drug prices and limit accessibility.
USTR Annual Special 301 Report Intensifies Action On China, Colombia, Canada 27/04/2018 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The annual report of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on the adequacy of trading partners’ protection of US intellectual property rights celebrated its 30th year this year with a sharper tone with China, in keeping with the Trump administration’s tough stance on the country. Also caught in the report are Colombia and Canada, which were downgraded to the “priority watch list.” Also, this year the report includes a special highlight on pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
UK Ratifies Unified Patent Court, Moving It Closer To Reality 27/04/2018 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The United Kingdom has ratified the Unified Patent Court Agreement that will allow “a single judgment in cross-border disputes between private parties over patents granted under the current intergovernmental system.” The system is administered by the European Patent Office, and the UK’s ratification leaves Germany outstanding.
USPTO Lists Changes To Post-Grant Proceedings After This Week’s SAS Decision 27/04/2018 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued guidance on changes to post-grant proceedings following the 24 April decision by the US Supreme Court in the SAS Institute v Iancu case. The Court ruled that the USPTO must decide the patentability of each claim that is challenged in petitions for inter partes review.
EU Commission Outlines Approach On Artificial Intelligence 25/04/2018 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The European Commission today issued an outline of a European approach on artificial intelligence to “boost investment and set ethical guidelines.” The aim is to have a coordinated plan with member states by year’s end.
China, Russia Are Most Restricted Countries For Digital Trade, Index Says 25/04/2018 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A new European index measuring the extent to which 64 countries restrict digital trade found China at the top of the list, while New Zealand was the most open.
Interpol Highlights Takedown Of Deadly Global Fake Food And Drink Operations 25/04/2018 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Weevil-infested flour, deadly methanol added to alcohol, borax to make products seem fresher, pesticide-laced shrimp, fake medicines. Global police organisation Interpol today detailed a multi-agency operation that dismantled nearly 50 criminal networks worldwide that provided fake and substandard food and drink that put people in danger and killed dozens.
Litigation Exposure, Brand, Data Security Top Concerns For US Consumer Products Companies 24/04/2018 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A new private-sector survey of large companies making consumer products showed their greatest concerns are exposure to litigation, followed by protection of brand equity and privacy/data security issues.