Internet Governance Forum: Embarking On Post-IANA Transition And Taking On Trade 12/12/2016 by Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The first edition of the renewed Internet Governance Forum (IGF) last week tried its all not to become just another internet governance conference, with new formats and the taking on of one big topic that so far had evaded the “multi-stakeholder” approach: trade negotiations. But it also angered some by making its big dinner an invitation-only event, for governments and friends.
In Search of Evidence: The IP Statistics For Decision Makers Conference (IPSDM) 2016 08/12/2016 by Guest contributor for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The annual “Intellectual Property Statistics for Decision Makers Conference” took place in Sydney, Australia on 15-16 November. After Vienna last year, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as the key initiator organised the landmark forum this time with the Australian Government through its national intellectual property office, IP Australia. In this environment where the Australian economy could recently mark its 25 years of continuous growth and where the government just launched a new “National Innovation and Science Agenda” in the form of a new tax reform package, we could follow panel discussions and speeches about how empirical evidence can be gained for innovation.
No Decision On WTO Plain Packaging Dispute Before May 2017 07/12/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The much-awaited decision of the World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement Body on Australia’s law requiring that tobacco products be sold in plain packages, challenged by four countries, has been postponed and is now expected “not before May 2017.”
Support IP-Watch: An Appeal To Readers 06/12/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Intellectual Property Watch needs your financial support. As one of our readers, you know that IP-Watch plays a vital role in international policymaking on intellectual property and innovation through its independent, reliable, balanced and dedicated news coverage. But like other online news services around the world, the challenges of financial sustainability are high. Please help […]
WIPO Committee On Traditional Knowledge Agrees On Revised Text For Further Discussions 05/12/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment World Intellectual Property Organization delegates last week agreed on a revised set of draft articles to be further discussed at the next session of the committee working on a potential treaty to protect traditional knowledge. Views differed on the achievements of the week. For the proponents of a binding treaty, the text reflects a better understanding of issues, and some reduction in differences. However, for some developed countries not in favour of a treaty, gaps are still wide open and much work remains.
Thomas Cueni Of Switzerland Named Director General Of IFPMA 02/12/2016 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Thomas Cueni of Switzerland has been named the next director general of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA), the Geneva-based organisation which represents the global research-based pharma industry.
Popcorn, Football And Chocolate – US Idea To Prompt Discussions At WIPO TK Committee 01/12/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment What do popcorn, chewing-gum, football, syringes, and chocolate have in common? According to a United States paper tabled at the World Intellectual Property Organization, they are all rooted in traditional knowledge. While most efforts are geared this week towards trying to find consensual language on a treaty protecting traditional knowledge, the US said a discussion on what is protectable and what is not would be instructive. Some other delegations resubmitted proposals introducing alternative means of protection than a binding instrument.
Pfizer CEO Ian Read Elected To Rotating IFPMA Presidency 30/11/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Pfizer Board Chairman and CEO Ian Read has been elected as the next president of the Geneva-based International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), a two-year role.
New Draft Articles For The Protection Of Traditional Knowledge On Table At WIPO 30/11/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment New draft articles published this morning at the World Intellectual Property Organization committee on traditional knowledge show signs of progress in terms of reducing options. Meanwhile, the United States introduced a proposal for a discussion of what should be protectable and what is not intended to be protected. Delegates have to deliver their take on both documents this afternoon.
First Attempt At Bridging Textual Gaps On Traditional Knowledge Protection At WIPO 29/11/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A new text suggested by facilitators in the ongoing discussions on the protection of traditional knowledge at the World Intellectual Property Organization attempts to tighten options to facilitate further discussions. They focused on the policy objectives of the potential treaty, what it should cover, and who should benefit from it – whether only indigenous peoples or states as well. Separately, Switzerland made a suggestion for a way forward with “positive” protection of TK.