Indigenous Peoples Rights’ Reaffirmed By UN Rapporteur, Panellists, At WIPO 05/02/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous People, James Anaya, was invited to speak at the opening of the World Intellectual Property Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) yesterday. Along with other indigenous peoples representatives, he called for more participation of indigenous peoples in the process and a focus on the protection of their traditional knowledge, while WIPO raised alarm on the almost thorough depletion of the voluntary fund allowing the participation of indigenous peoples.
Upcoming Law Summit To Address IP Management, Enforcement 04/02/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The 15th IP Law Summit, produced by Marcus Evans, is scheduled for 21-23 March in Colorado Springs, Colorado, US. Gathering corporate senior IP Counsel together with service providers, the Summit will offer a focused discussion of cutting-edge technology, strategy and products driving the IP marketplace.
Push For EU-US FTA Could Restart Discussions About IPRs 04/02/2013 by Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The high-level Munich Security Conference this weekend saw a considerable push for going forward with a Transatlantic Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA). Both US Vice-President Joe Biden and German Minister of Foreign Affairs Guido Westerwelle said such an agreement is within reach. But according to experts, negotiations also could re-open discussions on intellectual property protection.
Mediator’s Report On EU Copyright Levies Recommends Major Changes 31/01/2013 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Copies made by end-users for private purposes in the context of a service previously licensed by copyright holders don’t cause harm that should be subject to private copying levies on reproduction devices such as MP3 players, blank DVDs and photocopiers, a European Commission-appointed mediator said in recommendations published on 31 January. António Vitorino suggested major changes to Europe’s copy levy system to align it with the digital world, but said at a press briefing that “there is still some way to go” to bring stakeholder positions together.
WTO: Antigua To Retaliate Against US By Suspending IP Rights Protection 28/01/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 5 Comments After years of unsuccessful negotiations between nations, the World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement Body today gave Antigua and Barbuda the right to impose sanctions against the United States for blocking online gambling. The US was found in violation of WTO rules in 2007 and has failed to resolve the issue, so the Caribbean nation was given the right to retaliate in an area that is likely to force a US response – lifting US intellectual property rights.
Tech Industry Report Finds Entertainment Industry Thriving Despite Complaints 27/01/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 5 Comments A US technology industry report released Friday presents data showing that the entertainment industry has grown by 50 percent in the past decade with increased consumer spending, despite continuous calls by industry for greater protection of their intellectual property rights due to economic difficulty.
IP Professionals Discuss Tech Transfer Potential In Humanitarian Business At WIPO 23/01/2013 by Rachel Marusak Hermann, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A global business association held a meeting at the World Intellectual Property Organization this week on IP market developments, including increasing opportunities in technology transfer for commercial purposes. The intimate gathering featured a line-up of high-level speakers, including WIPO Director General Francis Gurry.
Google Report Shows Steady Rise In Government Surveillance 23/01/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment US internet giant Google has released a report showing a steady climb in government surveillance online, which a tech industry group called “disturbing”. The report, which covered from July through December of last year, includes more details than in the past, but does not include content takedowns, which now will be the subject of an upcoming separate report.
Philippines Mulls Suspended Cybercrime Law Restricting Communication 23/01/2013 by Maricel Estavillo for Intellectual Property Watch 5 Comments Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Supreme Court has begun to hear and weigh the arguments on the constitutionality of a controversial law listing punishable activities on the internet. Its implementation was suspended last year amid mounting criticism that, among other things, the law curtails freedom of speech and harks the country back to the almost a decade of repressive martial rule in the 1970s.
US Trade Representative Ron Kirk To Depart In February 23/01/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk has announced his departure from office in late February.