Common Text Emerges On Copyright Exceptions For The Blind 17/06/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 6 Comments A cross-cutting group of major World Intellectual Property Organisation members today produced a “non-paper” on limitations and exceptions to copyright for visually impaired readers at a WIPO meeting on copyright. The group had met in informal consultations for a few months and achieved consensus on the substance this morning, according to sources.
Copyright Vital For Authors, Adaptable For Wide Access, WIPO Panellists Say 17/06/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Copyright is necessary to allow authors to live from their trade and to guarantee their independence, and exceptions should be decided by authors and publishers, according to panellists on a copyright dialogue held at the World Intellectual Property Organization this week.
Plain Packaging For Tobacco Raises IPR Questions At WTO 16/06/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments At the last session of the World Trade Organization Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Council, the Dominican Republic challenged an Australian draft law requiring plain packaging for tobacco products as being incompatible with its WTO obligations, eclipsing other agenda items. The TRIPS Council also addressed other regular agenda items such as related to biodiversity and public health, according to sources.
New Deputy US Trademark Commissioner 16/06/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced the appointment of a new deputy commissioner for trademarks, with oversight of examination and processing of applications.
EFF: Judge Dismisses Copyright “Troll” Case 15/06/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A US judge ruled yesterday that copyright “troll” Righthaven lacked legal authorisation to bring an infringement lawsuit because it did not have ownership of the copyright in question, according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation. The case could have an impact on the future prospects of so-called copyright troll cases, EFF said.
An Urgent Letter From Intellectual Property Watch 15/06/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments It’s time to show your support for Intellectual Property Watch – right now, before it’s too late.
Possible Treaties Brewing At WIPO Committee On Copyright 14/06/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments Potential international legal instruments will be discussed this week at the World Intellectual Property Organization where delegates will try to find common language to address the protection of audiovisual performances, the protection of broadcasting organisations and agree on a set of exceptions and limitations to copyright for visually impaired people.
Time For A Positive Agenda, WIPO’s Gurry Tells Copyright Crowd 13/06/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment In remarks that have raised questions among libraries and the information technology industry, World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Francis last week told a copyright industry gathering that it is time to move away from a “negative” agenda of limitations and exceptions to copyright. It may also be a time for more private-sector involvement in international policymaking, he said.
New Director For CISAC 13/06/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), which claims representation of 3 million creators and publishers, has named a new director general. Interestingly, he comes from a career in broadcasting.
New Brussels Lobbying Group Communia Works For A Stronger Public Domain 13/06/2011 by Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch and William New 2 Comments A new association is being launched this week in Brussels with the mission to promote the digital public domain. The move comes in the face of heavy lobbying for stronger copyright protection.