Delegates Look To April For Consensus On Development Agenda Coordination 20/11/2009 by Kaitlin Mara for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Informal negotiations appeared to bring the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property within reach of consensus on a coordination mechanism for the Development Agenda early this morning, but this afternoon governments were unable to overcome remaining differences.
WIPO, A (Rare) Profitable UN Agency, Ventures Into World Of Donors 20/11/2009 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization has been known to be different from the rest of the United Nations family in that it earns most of its own revenues, and typically operates with a budget surplus. But recognising that it could better meet the needs of its members with additional funds, it now is turning to the international donor community.
Special Report: IP Protection Secondary To Support For Small African Innovators 19/11/2009 by Robinson Esalimba for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Systematic and sustained programmes aimed at identifying and supporting African innovative talent may be a key part of Africa’s technological evolution, according to researchers and young entrepreneurs interviewed by Intellectual Property Watch. In the second part of a two-part series highlighting innovation challenges in Africa, Intellectual Property Watch focuses on harnessing and nurturing African innovation talent.
Library Of Alexandria A Symbol Of Egypt’s Efforts To Lead On Knowledge Access 16/11/2009 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments ALEXANDRIA – Dining on fresh fish beneath a golden sunset overlooking the Mediterranean beneath which lie the remains of the ancient Library of Alexandria, the conversation turns to the invention of written language. A light-hearted debate breaks out between an Egyptian and a Syrian over the origins of the first alphabet several thousand years ago, but is left for the time being when the Syrian asserts, “We invented the alphabet, you invented writing.”
Lisbon Treaty To Bring Changes In EU Delegations, IP Measures 16/11/2009 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment This month’s signing by the Czech Republic of the Lisbon Treaty updating the rules of the European Union will bring a few noticeable changes to the way the EU conducts policymaking activities, and to its focus on intellectual property rights.
WIPO IT Committee’s Proposed Broad Mandate Raised Questions 12/11/2009 by Kaitlin Mara for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Countries were split on North/South lines at a recent meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organization Standing Committee on Information Technology (SCIT) over whether to accept a proposed broad agenda for future work that some feared would open the door to policy discussions beyond its mandate.
November Edition Of IP-Watch Monthly Reporter Now Available 11/11/2009 by Intellectual Property Watch, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The Intellectual Property Watch Monthly Edition features top news on international IP policymaking, the latest on who is coming and going in the international IP community, news briefs and more. The November edition is now available for subscribers.
Farmers’ Advocacy Groups Rejected As Observers In Plant Rights Organisation 10/11/2009 by Kaitlin Mara for Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) has denied two farmers’ advocacy organisations observer status to its governing Council on grounds that they have not demonstrated expertise relevant to the intergovernmental body’s work, stirring concern that opposition groups are being denied participation. Meanwhile, the functional head of UPOV will step down this spring after a decade of leadership, with several candidates in the running for his replacement.
Interview with Martin Khor, South Centre 09/11/2009 by Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments Martin Khor, executive director of the intergovernmental South Centre on critical issues facing the global South related to intellectual property – such as climate change, and the challenge of global IP infrastructure – and what the South Centre’s plans are to address them.
IP Enforcement Work At WIPO Gets Boost From Developing Nations 06/11/2009 by Kaitlin Mara for Intellectual Property Watch and William New 2 Comments Developing countries this week increased their proactive involvement in the enforcement agenda at the World Intellectual Property Organization, according to participants at the 2-4 November Advisory Committee on Enforcement meeting.