Top Official Discusses Resignation From Brazil’s ANVISA Over Patent Policy 11/08/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Luis Carlos Wanderly Lima, a senior official responsible for Brazil’s policy of giving a voice to its health ministry in the examination of patent applications with potential impact on public health, recently resigned in protest about changes to the policy. In a Q&A with Intellectual Property Watch, he discussed his decision.
UN Highlights IP Rights For Indigenous Peoples’ Day 10/08/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment In recognition of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the secretary of the United Nations on 9 August raised the complex issue of intellectual property rights and indigenous knowledge. The Director General of the UN World Intellectual Property Organization also issued a message straddling the issue of IP rights and community ownership of traditional knowledge and resources.
Changes At The Top As RIAA Sees “Bright Future” 08/08/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The Recording Industry Association of America today announced that Cary Sherman has been named chairman and CEO amid claims that the music industry is looking up. Sherman takes over for Mitch Bainwol, who resigned to become CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
Promoting Caribbean Intellectual Property Law 08/08/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Across the world, the Caribbean is renowned for its unique flavors in music and entertainment, its beaches, cricket, and its commonly acclaimed fun and sun. While these are well-deserved, and are sources of just pride, this common perception provides foliage which bars the examination and explanation of the real problems and needs in intellectual property in the Caribbean, writes attorney Abiola Inniss.
Getting The Most Value From Your Patent Claims 04/08/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Preparing patents is both a science and an art. The science is often easy to recognize, if not always easy to understand. The art of properly expressing that science in the words of a patent claim is harder to evaluate and is more often overlooked, yet is crucial to the value of the patent, write Heather J. DiPietrantonio and Edmund J. Walsh.
US Senate Vote On Patent Reform Expected In September 03/08/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The United States Senate is expected to hold a vote on a bill to modify US patent law, in part making it more closely aligned with international practices, according to Senate sources. But some are concerned the bill will not end patent fee diversion at the US Patent and Trademark Office.
Myriad Outcome: Winds Shift Again For Gene Patenting In The US 02/08/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 5 Comments In a long-awaited decision, a United States federal appeals court has decided that US companies can patent breast cancer genes, reversing a previous ruling. The decision was not unanimous, with one of the three judges dissenting. But despite the attention the case has received, the ruling may have little impact on the biotechnology industry, according to analysts.
EU-India Agreement In WTO Dispute Raises Bar For EU Drug Seizures 30/07/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment India and the European Union announced a written agreement yesterday that puts more conditions on EU customs authorities before they can stop shipments of generic pharmaceuticals passing through Europe. No longer is the existence of an EU patent on passing generics sufficient cause to stop shipments. The agreement suspends a World Trade Organization dispute started by India last year.
A Glance At Current Patent Litigation In India 29/07/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The third amendment of Patents Act 1970, in 2005, was a major breakthrough for Indian IP practice in patents. The current crop of judicial decisions, discussed in this note, has initiated the need to have a critical mass of judicial precedents streamlining law and rules governing patent practice in India, writes Kamakhya Srivastava.
ICANN Warns US Not To Undermine Multistakeholder Model 24/07/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has issued a new statement about a future contract with the United States for root zone management and other internet infrastructure functions, warning against undermining the multistakeholder model for governing core internet infrastructures.