La société civile au cœur de la mise en œuvre des flexibilités de l’Accord sur les ADPIC 09/08/2018 by Intellectual Property Watch, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Dès son adoption par l’Organisation mondiale du commerce, l’Accord sur les aspects des droits de propriété intellectuelle qui touchent au commerce (ADPIC) prévoyait des flexibilités visant principalement à laisser une marge de manœuvre aux pays en développement, pour que ces derniers puissent mettre en œuvre ses dispositions en tenant compte d’aspects liés au développement. Cependant, certains pays n’ont pas pleinement fait usage de ces flexibilités en raison d’un manque de sensibilisation ou de pressions économiques, et ont connu des difficultés pour répondre à leurs besoins en matière de santé publique. Pour certains, ces difficultés sont justement liées au fait de ne pas avoir utilisé ces flexibilités. La société civile a participé de manière conséquente aux efforts visant à contrer les pressions exercées et à sensibiliser les responsables politiques pour un meilleur accès aux médicaments.
El papel esencial de la sociedad civil en la aplicación de las flexibilidades previstas en el Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC 08/08/2018 by Intellectual Property Watch, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Cuando el acuerdo en materia de propiedad intelectual fue adoptado por la Organización Mundial del Comercio, se incluyó en el texto una serie de flexibilidades con el objetivo principal de proporcionar a los países en desarrollo el espacio normativo necesario para aplicar el acuerdo teniendo en cuenta las consideraciones relativas al desarrollo. Sin embargo, algunos países, debido al desconocimiento o a las presiones económicas, no han aprovechado plenamente dichas flexibilidades y han tenido ante sí dificultades para responder a las necesidades de salud pública, lo que algunos relacionan con esta incapacidad de aplicar las flexibilidades. La sociedad civil ha desplegado grandes esfuerzos para contrarrestar las presiones y concienciar a los responsables de la formulación de políticas a fin de lograr un mayor acceso a los medicamentos.
A Look At Honduras’ Appeal In WTO Ruling On Tobacco Plain Packaging 03/08/2018 by David Branigan, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments In an appeal of a recent World Trade Organization dispute panel ruling, Honduras detailed a list of alternate interpretations of the decision to uphold Australia’s tobacco plain packaging measures. Honduras called on the WTO Appellate Body to “reverse the Panel’s findings and conclusions,” claiming that the ruling was “not the result of an objective assessment of the matter.”
Counter-Measures – How Startups Can Fight Pirates Without Burning Cash 03/08/2018 by Guest contributor for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Patent litigation can drain capital during the crucial first few months of launching new technology, a particular problem in the capital-intensive hardware space. Companies need to find creative ways to go after patent thieves without stifling growth or ceding market share, writes Michael A. Nicolas.
Report – Patent Abuse A Leading Cause Of High Drug Prices In US 03/08/2018 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Pharmaceutical companies have created an “untenable” situation by engaging in exploitative patenting practices to extend monopolies, increasing drug prices and delaying competition from more affordable generics, according to a new NGO report analysing drug prices.
Special Report: CBD Advisory Bodies Make Recommendations On Sequence Data, Global Mechanism, Implementation 02/08/2018 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The UN Convention on Biological Diversity advisory bodies met last month to consider issues in preparation of the high-level Conference of the Parties later this year in Egypt. Among the topics were how to deal with genetic resources DNA information under the CBD protocol on access and benefit-sharing (Nagoya Protocol). Another was concerns met by countries implementing the protocol, in particular developing countries, and the need for capacity building.
Trade Secret Thief Hid Files In Digital Photo Of Sunset 02/08/2018 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment An alleged thief caught stealing trade secrets from General Electric in New York hid the electronic files inside an innocent-looking digital picture of a sunset, according to the United States Department of Justice.
US Considers Upping Stakes Again In Trade Dispute With China Over IP, Tech Transfer 01/08/2018 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The Trump administration today announced it is considering raising its proposed tariffs from 10 to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. The move is another in an attempt to get China to change the way it treats US companies including by alleging forcing transfer of technology and intellectual property.
Updated WIPO Guide On Alternative Dispute Resolution A Tool For IP Offices 31/07/2018 by Gaensly Joseph for Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The World Intellectual Property Organization Arbitration and Mediation Center has released an updated guide providing an overview of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes for intellectual property disputes. The guide provides instructions on how to use the ADR process that has helped resolve tens of thousands of legal disputes outside of the courts.
New EPO Chief Outlines Priorities With Global Focus; Staff Wary But Hopeful 30/07/2018 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Antonio Campinos, whose term as president of the European Patent Office began on 1 July, has said he wants to focus on the effectiveness of the organisation, greater global cooperation and “staff engagement.”