Last Parliament Standing: Europe Final Stronghold Of ACTA Critics 21/12/2011 by Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch 6 Comments With a recent decision by the Agriculture and Fishery Council of the European Union, the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) seems to have made a big leap forward. And with recent breakthroughs in other countries, ACTA’s final hurdle may be in the European parliaments.
USTR Releases List Of Possibly IP Infringing Markets 20/12/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The United States Trade Representative’s office today released its second report in a year on markets it has labeled “notorious” based on unofficial comments it has received. The report identifies physical and internet-based marketplaces around the world that may be hotbeds for the sale of intellectual property infringing goods.
WIPO Reports Uptick In IP Filings In 2010 20/12/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization today released a report showing global filings for patents and trademarks turned upward in 2010. But there were some variations across the map.
Special Report – US IP Attachés Report On Strategies Abroad 20/12/2011 by Liza Porteus Viana, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment WASHINGTON, DC – American intellectual property attachés serving abroad have helped propel global discussions on intellectual property rights and have helped protect inventors’ rights amidst a “global flat economy,” but enforcement remains a difficult challenge in many parts of the world, attachés said at a recent event gathering them back home. The officials highlighted strategies for the coming year in the top emerging economies.
As Multilateralism Comes Into Question, WTO Trade Ministers Extend Deadlines 19/12/2011 by Rachel Marusak Hermann, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment With the negotiations of the Doha Development Agenda formally recognised to be at a standstill, not much was expected from the World Trade Organization’s Eighth Ministerial Conference. There were no surprises at the meeting close as conference Chairman Olusegun Olutoyin Aganga gavelled through the seven matters that were set before the trade ministers.
Russia’s WTO Accession Hailed As Sign Of Commitment To Multilateralism 16/12/2011 by Rachel Marusak Hermann, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Trade Organization formally approved Russia’s bid to join the trade body today. The agreement concludes 18 years of negotiations and is seen as a one of the major successes of the WTO’s Eighth Ministerial Conference being held from 15-17 December.
Issues Of Interest To IP Community Abound At WTO Ministerial 14/12/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Despite the low-key role of intellectual property rights issues at this week’s World Trade Organization ministerial, there is plenty to think about for the IP community.
WHO Expert Group To Recommend Binding R&D Treaty Negotiation 14/12/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments A World Health Organization expert group has narrowed proposals under consideration for ways to finance research and development for diseases predominately affecting poor populations. Among the remaining recommendations is that WHO members launch negotiations for a binding treaty.
Taiwan Looks To Join ACTA 13/12/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments Taiwan may become the first new country to join the ranks of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement.
Out Of A Dilemma: Banning The Non-Violation Clause Under TRIPS 13/12/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The non-violation nullification of benefits is a clause that could be used if a WTO member deems that another member’s actions caused an unexpected loss of benefits, even if there is no violation of a WTO agreement. Developing countries are wary of this provision and the moratorium on its use under TRIPS is up for debate and probable renewal at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva this week, writes Daniele Dionisio.