World Customs Organization Adds To Anti-Counterfeiting System 05/11/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The Brussels-based World Customs Organization has updated its online tool for field customs officers to communicate in real time with rights holders on counterfeiting of their brands. The WCO announced its partnership with another company providing authentication and traceability technologies, bringing over 30 additional top brands on board.
ITU Plenipotentiary Conference: Internet Governance Diplomacy On Display 05/11/2014 by Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The much belaboured takeover of the internet by the United Nations International Telecommunication Union again has not taken place. Instead, ITU member states gathered at the Plenipotentiary Conference in Busan, South Korea, this week rather smoothly passed a set of internet-related resolutions that will, once the closing plenary adopts them, preserve the limited status quo of involvement of the UN organisation responsible for telecommunication and radio frequencies in internet-related public policy issues.
What Is Happening At The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference? 05/11/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Consultant Richard Hill writes: There is lots going on at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, in particular a typical North/South clash regarding who should do what. The global South would like to see a greater role for the International Telecommunication Union in some areas, or a least a smaller role for institutions based in or dominated by the global North, whereas the global North favors the status quo. But there are many nuances, some very significant, within this overall picture.
WTO Works To Make Vast Store Of TRIPS Information Easier To Use 03/11/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Trade Organization is taking steps to make the vast store of information shared by WTO members in the Council on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) easier to use.
Geographical Indications At WIPO: Members Dissent On Participation In Treaty Talks 31/10/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Members of a World Intellectual Property Organization treaty protecting appellations of origins who are seeking to revise that treaty to include geographical indications were opposed this week by several WIPO member states seeking to have a say in the adoption of the revision. The issue has raised a question for WIPO about participation in treaties and agreements.
TRIPS Council Debates: Tobacco Packaging, Non-Violation Disputes, Innovation, Health Waiver, UNCTAD 30/10/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment This week’s meeting of the World Trade Organization body governing intellectual property issues addressed a long agenda, reflecting continued divergence on regular items, such as complaints that do not involve breach of a WTO agreement, a health waiver, and sustained discussions on plain packaging for tobacco products.
First Innovation Fair Hosted At WTO, Draws Diverse Projects With IP In Mind 29/10/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Trade Organization hosted an Innovation Fair on 28 October, gathering inventors, supporting agencies, and patent offices. A number of inventions were displayed and explained, from concrete walls to motorisation for bicycles.
Draft Revision To Provide Higher Protection To GIs Fine-Tuned At WIPO 28/10/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The contracting parties of the agreement protecting appellations of origin at the World Intellectual Property Organization are meeting this week to fine-tune a draft revision of this agreement to include geographical indications. The end of the week is scheduled to be devoted to a preparatory committee of a high-level negotiating meeting in 2015 to adopt the revision.
WIPO Launches Guide On Use Of IP For Arts And Cultural Festivals 24/10/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization announced the publication of a practical guide on how best to use intellectual property for organisers of arts and cultural festivals.
USPTO Director-Nominee Lee Calls For ‘Responsible Stewardship’ Of Patent System 23/10/2014 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment In perhaps her first big speech since being nominated by President Obama to head the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Michelle Lee today told an industry meeting today to use the patent system responsibly and with balance. The agency is embarking on a new global effort to streamline processes and improve quality. And for the first time in a long time, she said, USPTO has the financial resources to do it.