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.
How To Respond To A Cease & Desist Letter 21/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments US companies are generally known to be much more litigious than non-US companies. Thus, if you are a non-US company looking to enter the US market, it is prudent to understand the nuances of responding to a cease and desist letter. While cease and desist letters can be upsetting and sometimes confusing, there are a series of steps that companies can take to be better prepared in the event that they do receive one.
Copyright Infrastructure In The Digital Age: Raising Awareness At WIPO 19/10/2011 by Rachel Marusak Hermann, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments A global meeting entitled “Enabling Creativity in the Digital Environment: Copyright Documentation and Infrastructure” was held at the World Intellectual Property Organization 13-14 October. Gathering representatives of governments, business leaders, academics, and other stakeholders, the conference was organised in the framework of the Development Agenda Thematic Project on Intellectual Property and the Public Domain.
To Stem Infringement, Block Money – Not Information 18/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The Protect IP Act, currently pending in the United States Senate, contains a range of steps designed to support the holders of American copyrights and trademarks by fighting a specific part of the online infringement problem: “rogue” websites whose primary or intended use is the infringement of US copyrights or trademarks. The bill would take promising new steps to diminish the financial rewards of IPR infringement – but it is saddled with ill-advised information blocking provisions that should, and probably will, be prevented from passing the Senate in its current form, writes David Robinson.
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.
Trading Knowledge As A Public Good: A Proposal For The WTO 14/10/2011 by Rachel Marusak Hermann, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Years of deadlock in the Doha Round of trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) has prompted some to question the institution’s effectiveness, and even, its relevance. But for others, the stalemate seems to be favourable for new ideas and new ways to think about global trade.
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.