UN Human Rights Council Tackles IPRs, Benefits Of Scientific Progress 09/07/2012 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The United Nations Human Rights Council last week adopted a resolution promoting cultural rights and diversity, with a commitment to hold a seminar next year on the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications. The resolution includes continuing support for a special observer on the issue who recently submitted a report raising questions about the impact of intellectual property rights on the diffusion of knowledge.
WIPO Committee Makes Last Run At Folklore Treaty Text Before Annual Assembly 06/07/2012 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The last session of the World Intellectual Property Organization committee on the protection of folklore before the annual General Assembly promises to be lively as the prospect of a potential treaty exacerbates stronghold positions. The treaty fervently supported by developing countries as a way to protect their cultural heritage and biodiversity has met a more cautious view from developed countries.
Novartis’ Indian Patent Law Challenge Postponed Again 06/07/2012 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The Supreme Court of India has postponed hearing final arguments in a key challenge to India’s patent law brought by Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis.
ITU To Hold High-Level Talks On “Innovation-Stifling, Rampant” Patent Litigation 06/07/2012 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) today announced it will hold a high-level meeting on the global surge in standards-related patent litigation which it said is stifling innovation in information and communications technology.
European Parliament Rejection Puts ACTA Future In Doubt 04/07/2012 by William New and Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch 20 Comments Today’s overwhelming defeat of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) by the European Parliament could have a resounding effect on the treaty’s prospects for survival, according to sources. Meanwhile, public interest groups are celebrating and copyright holders fuming.
Switzerland Most Innovative Economy, Global Divide Persists, Says WIPO/INSEAD Index 03/07/2012 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The Global Innovation Index 2012 launched today by the World Intellectual Property Organization and INSEAD shows a clear innovation divide in world economies. It advises countries to maintain their efforts to support and foster innovation despite the lingering economic crisis, as a key element of sustainable growth.
EU Trade Commissioner Makes Last Appeal For Delay Of ACTA Vote 03/07/2012 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment EU Trade Commissioner Karl De Gucht today made a last appeal to the European Parliament today to delay the decision on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) in order to allow the European Court of Justice to give its opinion. But he met with strong indications that a rejection of the controversial agreement may be coming tomorrow.
Nagoya Protocol Access & Benefit-Sharing Meeting Kicks Off In New Delhi 03/07/2012 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A key committee of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing treaty aimed at ensuring fair sharing of the benefits of genetic resources is meeting this week in New Delhi.
UN Drugs And Crime Office Open To Private Donations To Fight Counterfeits 02/07/2012 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A little-known United Nations office fighting illicit drugs and counterfeit goods globally appears to be building a programme of private sector donations for its anti-counterfeiting work.
WHO Report Details Accountability In Director Chan’s First Term 02/07/2012 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan was re-elected for another term at the annual May World Health Assembly. Now the WHO has issued a “report card” showing how she kept her promises during the first term. This includes a range of steps to ensure new drugs are affordable and accessible, even if intellectual property rights make them high-priced.