IP And Bioethics: International Community Seeking Answers 18/09/2007 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment By Catherine Saez In order to explore the relationship between intellectual property rights and life science innovations, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is organising policy symposia to identify and clarify the intellectual property dimension in the life sciences. In a world where biotechnology is booming and new technological frontiers are being crossed, new challenges arise such as ethical questions relating to the implication and applications of biological research. Patent agencies, industry and civil society were invited on 4 September to share their thoughts and experience on the use of the intellectual property system in bioethics. As Antony Taubman, acting director of the WIPO Global IP Issues Division described it, biotechnology is based on living organisms which raises distinct ethical questions.
Las cuestiones de propiedad intelectual permanecen en juego en las negociaciones de la OMC 06/08/2007 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Por William New Las cuestiones de propiedad intelectual podrán no ser “decisivas” en la actual ronda de negociaciones de liberalización del comercio en la Organización Mundial del Comercio, pero siguen siendo un factor relevante. En la sesión de apertura de la semana pasada del Comité de Negociaciones Comerciales (CNC), el Director General de la OMC […]
Le Comité de l’OMPI sur les savoirs traditionnels et le folklore prolonge et ajuste son mandat 26/07/2007 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Par Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen Après d’intenses négociations de dernière minute, un comité de l’Organisation mondiale de la propriété intellectuelle (OMPI) a décidé de renouveler son mandat actuel, en accordant davantage d’importance à la direction qu’il souhaite donner à ses travaux futurs. I. Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, ambassadeur indonésien et président du comité, a confié […]
US Patent Reform Advances But Outcome, Global Impact Uncertain 25/07/2007 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment By Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch Legislation for sweeping reform of the US patent system emerged from House and Senate committees last week. Among other changes, the bills would more closely align the US scheme with international patent practice, create an additional opportunity to challenge the validity of questionable patents, and limit damages in some infringement lawsuits. But the bills’ future is unpredictable, observers say.
Observers Watchful Of US Trade Impact On Medicines Access 24/07/2007 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment By Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen The United States has begun incorporating a revised intellectual property and health policy into its bilateral trade deals. But although the overall softer approach towards its partners may improve access to medicines, the debate on the impact of the US free trade agreements on public health in developing countries is […]
Comité de la OMPI extiende y ajusta su mandato sobre conocimientos tradicionales y folclore 20/07/2007 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Por Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen Tras intensos debates y a última hora, un comité de la Organización Mundial de la Propiedad Intelectual (OMPI) decidió renovar su actual mandato, con un poco más de énfasis en la dirección que tomará su labor futura. El Presidente de la sesión I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Embajador de Indonesia […]
Rwanda Pioneers Use Of WTO Patent Flexibility For HIV/AIDS Medicine 20/07/2007 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment By Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen Years after it was permitted under international trade law, the first country has notified the World Trade Organization that it will use a flexibility allowing it to address public health needs by importing a patented medicine produced without authorisation of the patent holder. Rwanda this week told the WTO it […]
WIPO Committee Extends, Adjusts Mandate On Traditional Knowledge, Folklore 13/07/2007 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment By Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen After intense, last-minute discussions, a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) committee decided to renew its current mandate, with a slightly stronger emphasis on the direction of its future work. Meeting Chair I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, the Indonesian ambassador, told Intellectual Property Watch that “the old mandate still exists” but […]
WIPO Traditional Knowledge Committee Informal Text Under Debate 12/07/2007 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Below is the draft chair’s text under discussion at the 3-12 July World Intellectual Property Organization Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC). The committee has been in informal and “informal informal” (very small group of key delegations) meetings since late morning on 11 July. Discussion has been mainly […]
WIPO TK Committee Moves To Consultations To Map Out Future Work 11/07/2007 by Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment By Tove Iren S. Gerhardsen With a day remaining in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) committee meeting on traditional knowledge and genetic resources, the chair has moved to informal consultations with regional coordinators to discuss the future of the committee, whose mandate expires this year. Meanwhile, the African Group has submitted a new paper […]