China Continues High Growth In IP Filing, But Is There More To The Story? 04/02/2016 by Jahan Harry Taubman-Rezakhanlou for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Sheer intellectual property filings may not be the only or even best measure of innovation, but they are a closely watched economic indicator. Using what data it has, the World Intellectual Property Organization recently touted China’s continued massive growth in this area, particularly in patent applications.
200 Companies, Organisations Worldwide Promote Stronger Encryption 04/02/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Nearly 200 organisations, companies and others from 42 countries have signed an open letter to the international community demanding that stronger encryption tools be allowed to be developed and used. The letter describes encryption tools and services as vital components of maintaining a secure digital environment, where if users are allowed to use the strongest forms of encryption it can allow for the safest and most efficient ways to communicate across borders.
Special Feature: Process For 2017 Election Of New WHO Director General 01/02/2016 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The pressures of running the world’s highest profile public health agency in trying times (new outbreaks, mass migration and other challenges, with uncertain funding) could make the job of debatable attractiveness, but rumours in the World Health Organization hallways this week are that many possible candidates are likely to be considered to vie for head of the United Nations agency in Geneva. But the election process itself was just finalised for the changeover to occur in mid-2017, so it is too early to start naming possible candidates. The following is a look at the process leading to the next head of the WHO.
WHO Board Debate: High Prices Sow Seeds Of Fake Medicines In Developing Countries 01/02/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Fake and poor quality medicines are still a growing public health concern particularly in developing countries, according to some World Health Organization members, who said at last week’s WHO Board meeting that the problem comes from the unaffordability of medicines and the lack of a strong surveillance system.
WHO Board Debates Framework On Engagement With Non-State Actors 27/01/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Health Organization routinely works with a number of outside actors, such as non-governmental groups, philanthropic organisations, industry and academics. Member states have been trying to establish a framework to regulate such engagement and are still working to produce a consensus document. This week they are trying to extend the mandate of an intergovernmental meeting in the hope that an ultimate meeting in April can solve remaining issues.
FAO Head Says Livestock Diversity Is Crucial For Future Food Security On A Harsher Planet 27/01/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva writes: Our livestock is increasingly being raised indoors and fed on concentrate feed that is often imported. Intensive production of chickens, pigs and dairy cows is based on a few breeds worldwide. These developments are risky, as we and future generations are losing the potential to adapt livestock production systems to increasingly harsh conditions such as those associated with higher temperatures and shortages of nutritious feeds.
WHO To Study Effect Of Nagoya Protocol On Sharing Of Genetic Materials 26/01/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The implementation of a protocol ensuring access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable benefit-sharing of commercial benefits might affect the sharing of pathogens samples between countries, said the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, who asked the World Health Organization to study possible implications of the protocol’s implementation.
WIPO Conference On IP And Development Provisional Programme Is Out 22/01/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The provisional programme for an international conference on intellectual property and development at World Intellectual Property Organization taking place in April is now available.
UK IP Office Unveils 5-Year Strategy to Make Businesses More IP-Aware 21/01/2016 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The United Kingdom has a vibrant creative sector but many businesses don’t take full advantage of their intellectual property, IP Minister Baroness (Lucy) Neville-Rolfe said in her introduction to an Intellectual Property Office five-year strategy report released today. IPO research shows that over 90 percent of firms haven’t valued their IP, and small to mid-sized companies often don’t understand or know how to protect it, she said. Even a modest boost in those figures could have a significant impact on the UK economy, she said.
WHO Board To Address Reform Progress, R&D Financing, Lobbyists/ Foundations 21/01/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Next week, the World Health Organization Executive Board will hold its biannual meeting. On the agenda are key subjects such as the WHO reform process, sharing of influenza viruses for R&D, and a controversial framework for the WHO’s engagement with actors such as non-governmental organisations, private entities, and foundations. Also on the agenda is the effort to address the growing microbial resistance to antibiotics, and finding a way to finance research and development for diseases affecting primarily developing countries.