WIPO Asked To Improve Its Reporting On Development Agenda Implementation 20/05/2018 by William New and Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization annual self-evaluation of the implementation of its 2007 Development Agenda was rubber-stamped by most delegates again this year at the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property. But Brazil offered detailed suggestions on ways to improve the report and ensure that past work is not being included in the reporting on new accomplishments. It also warned against confusing WIPO’s Development Agenda work with its broader activities for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
WIPO Discusses New Field Projects On Women, Tourism, And The Software Sector 17/05/2018 by Damilola Adepeju for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The ongoing 21st session of the World Intellectual Property Organization Committee on Development and IP this week considered a diverse set of three new project proposals. Canada, Mexico and the United States together, as well as Kenya, and Peru, proposed creative projects regarding the use of intellectual property for development related to women, tourism and […]
WIPO Development Committee Opens With Focus On SDGs, Tech Transfer, New Projects 14/05/2018 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization Committee on Development and Intellectual Property opened today with an agenda of issues such as the development dimension of IP, technology transfer, and how WIPO can participate in the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Meanwhile, new development projects proposed for WIPO work would focus on women, software, and tourism.
OECD Issues Paper On Blockchain And Competition Policy 11/05/2018 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The disruptive blockchain technology has been making waves, especially with Bitcoin and smart contracts taking centre stage. For some, it calls for a wide range of regulatory issues to be addressed, including patentability and more recently, competition-related concerns. Accordingly, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) hopes to assimilate contributions from stakeholders through its Blockchain Technology and Competition Policy Issue Paper.
New Guidelines For Tech Companies To Be Transparent, Accountable On Censoring User Content 07/05/2018 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Facebook, Google and other social media companies today were urged by groups such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation to “publicly report how many user posts they take down, provide users with detailed explanations about takedowns, and implement appeals policies to boost accountability.” The groups released a set of guidelines to address censorship.
USTR Annual Special 301 Report Intensifies Action On China, Colombia, Canada 27/04/2018 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The annual report of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on the adequacy of trading partners’ protection of US intellectual property rights celebrated its 30th year this year with a sharper tone with China, in keeping with the Trump administration’s tough stance on the country. Also caught in the report are Colombia and Canada, which were downgraded to the “priority watch list.” Also, this year the report includes a special highlight on pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
WIPO Members Energised On Protection of Country Names, GIs, New Technological Designs 26/04/2018 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization committee on trademarks concluded early today with plans for further work and a full week session for the next meeting. Member states are called into action to provide inputs so that the WIPO secretariat can come up with questionnaires on the protection of new technological designs, such as icons, and on the protection of geographical indications. Another issue for which member states are asked to contribute inputs in how to protect country and geographical names.
World IP Day: Women Are Celebrated But Gender Gap Persists 26/04/2018 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The annual World Intellectual Property Day (26 April) is dedicated to women this year at the World Intellectual Property Organization. On the occasion, several countries are organising an exhibition and the screening of a film celebrating the life of Hedy Lamarr. Austrian/American actress who was also an inventor.
EU Commission Outlines Approach On Artificial Intelligence 25/04/2018 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The European Commission today issued an outline of a European approach on artificial intelligence to “boost investment and set ethical guidelines.” The aim is to have a coordinated plan with member states by year’s end.
China, Russia Are Most Restricted Countries For Digital Trade, Index Says 25/04/2018 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A new European index measuring the extent to which 64 countries restrict digital trade found China at the top of the list, while New Zealand was the most open.