US State Dept Donates US$350K To UN-Led Internet Governance Forum 05/09/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The United States State Department has made a one-time contribution of US$350,000 to the perennially cash-strapped Internet Governance Forum, a multi-stakeholder discussion forum established by the 2003-2005 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).
South Centre IP Negotiations Monitor August Edition 03/09/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The South Centre, a Geneva-based intergovernmental body of developing countries, has released the latest edition of its publication detailing the state-of-play for dozens of negotiations related to international intellectual property policy.
EU’s Neelie Kroes Envisions “Tomorrow’s Internet,” An Improvement On US Model 03/09/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes, responsible for the European Digital Agenda, today launched the Future Internet Labs in London with a vision of what the internet could look like in the coming years. Her vision? Massive changes, millions of things talking to things, European technological independence, and a greater degree of security and privacy for people online.
WIPO Forum Presents Four “Game-Changers” In Innovation 03/09/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization later this month will hold a forum on innovation featuring four “world-renowned pioneers from the fields of medicine, architecture and industrial design,” as a way to bring common insights to intellectual property policymakers and stakeholders working to achieve a “balanced, inclusive” IP system.
Global IP Debate Over Rooibos Intensifies As More Claims Surface 29/08/2013 by Linda Daniels for Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments In light of increasing attempts to trademark the South African product rooibos, rooibos tea industry stakeholders are considering a call for an audit of the product’s trademarks registered in the world, in order to inform the best strategy to protect it as a unique South African product.
WIPO Director Calls For “Re-Thinking” Intellectual Property 28/08/2013 by Alessandro Marongiu for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Francis Gurry last week issued a call for a redefinition of the functions of the IP system in the context of a fast-changing and globalised world.
WIPO To Hold Teach-In On Value Of IP System To Indigenous Peoples 28/08/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization has scheduled a workshop in December to teach indigenous peoples the value of the intellectual property system in protecting their knowledge and resources.
South Africa Moves Toward New IP Policy; Rooibos Industry Seeks Protection 23/08/2013 by Linda Daniels for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment CAPE TOWN – The South African National Intellectual Property Policy is expected to be published this month, after a much-anticipated wait to see what shape and form the policy has given intellectual property rights in the country.
New WTO Director General Names His Four Deputy DGs 19/08/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Incoming World Trade Organization Director-General Roberto Azevêdo has announced the appointment of his four deputies, coming from China, Germany, Nigeria and the United States. He also named his chief of staff, from Australia.
Governments Disagree On GI Protection At TLD Level 01/08/2013 by Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Governments met recently to try to decide: Should special protection be provided online for geographical indications, in addition to trademark rights, geographical names and names of international organisations?