At WIPO, US Plays Hypotheticals With Swiss Law On Disclosure Of Genetic Resources In Patents 02/06/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment With discussions in full swing at the World Intellectual Property Organization on how to protect genetic resources in intellectual property rights, and in particular whether the disclosure of the source of genetic resources should be mandatory in patent applications, the United States has tabled a document hypothetically applying the mandatory disclosure legislation of Switzerland to a US patent.
Innovation And Access: Fission Or Fusion? Interview With Dr. Kristina M. Lybecker, Associate Professor Of Economics At Colorado College 02/06/2016 by Guest contributor for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment In the light of the UN High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines, this series of sponsored articles challenges experts to give their views on the policies that best support the development of solutions to societies’ greatest challenges and how enabling policy environments, including IP systems, influence the development and flow of new technologies and services in different sectors, fields of technology, and jurisdictions. The views expressed in the articles are those of the authors. Below is an interview with Dr. Kristina M. Lybecker, Associate Professor of Economics at Colorado College in Colorado Springs (US).
New Potential Treaty Text In WIPO Committee On Genetic Resources 01/06/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 5 Comments A revised version of what is hoped by a large number of World Intellectual Property Organization members to become a treaty protecting genetic resources from misappropriation was issued today.
European Commission Eyes Update Of EU Standards-Setting Policy 01/06/2016 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment As standardisation increasingly takes place at the global level, Europe needs a speedier, more streamlined way to set the technical specifications that define requirements for products, production processes, services and test methods, the European Commission said today. As part of its single market strategy, the EC announced plans for a joint initiative on standardisation (JIS), guidance to boost the development of European standards, and an annual reporting system among EU institutions on how the standardisation policy is working and contributing to competitiveness, jobs and growth.
WHO-Led Study: Hepatitis C Treatment Unaffordable Globally, Threatens Health Systems 01/06/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment According to a new study by experts at the World Health Organization, prices of hepatitis C treatments are unaffordable globally and put a major strain on national health systems. Hepatitis C can cause liver cirrhosis and cancer, and with an estimated 80 million people affected in the world, if untreated, the sickness could lead to 700,000 deaths per year worldwide, the study said, suggesting that governments and industry stakeholders should develop and implement fair pricing frameworks.
Re-Mixing Protected By Freedom Of Arts Fundamental Right, German Court Rules 31/05/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The German Constitutional Court today ruled in favour of the “freedom to sample” – or freedom to remix – in a case between the singer/songwriter Sabrina Setlur and the band Kraftwerk.
WIPO Seminar: Experts Discuss IP Protection Of Genetic Resources 31/05/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Last week, the World Intellectual Property Organization held a seminar on intellectual property and genetic resources. For over a decade, WIPO members have been discussing ways to protect genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge from misappropriation. The seminar allowed speakers from different regions and interests to offer their views on the topic.
WHO’s Kieny: R&D Resolution ‘An Advance That Shows Strong Recommitment’ 31/05/2016 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment World Health Organization members sent a clear signal at the annual Assembly last week when they committed to step up efforts to find ways to fund research into diseases that results in affordable products, according to the top WHO official working on these issues.
WHO Boosts Efforts For Plain Packaging 31/05/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment “Tobacco-related illness is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced,” according to the World Health Organization, and plain packaging of tobacco products can save lives, it said. The theme of this year’s no-tobacco day, today, is: Get ready for plain packaging, as the WHO is calling for countries to introduce plain packaging in their territories.
WIPO Delegates Seek Convergence On Protection Of Genetic Resources This Week 30/05/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The protection of genetic resources from misappropriation through patents, for example without the consent of the resource owners, and in particular indigenous communities, or benefit-sharing when commercial benefits arise from the use of those resources is being discussed this week at the World Intellectual Property Organization. Two divergent broad perspectives on how to achieve such protection are hoped to come closer on core issues.