EPO-UNEP Report Examines Patents And Clean Energy 15/05/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A recent report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Patent Office (EPO) looks at the role of the patent system in clean energy technology (CET) transfers in Africa. One of the highlights of the report is that less than 1 percent of identified CET-related patent applications have been filed in Africa, despite there being a high level of potential in renewable energy sources.
Concerns Arise Over Implementation Of WIPO Development Agenda 14/05/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment This week’s meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organisation committee on development started with a firm display of divergent positions by member states. Developing countries said that member states should be consulted on WIPO’s participation in international events to ensure that a balanced view on IP is reflected. Developed countries said they considered it as superfluous micro-management of the UN organisation.
European Commission To Develop Global Internet Policy Platform 13/05/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The European Commission today announced plans for a Global Internet Policy Observatory (GIPO), an online platform to improve knowledge and participation on issues related to global internet policymaking.
WIPO Committee On Development This Week: North-South Differences 13/05/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The committee evaluating the incorporation of a development dimension into the World Intellectual Property Organization activities meets this week with a heavy agenda and some loose ends inherited from the previous meeting. In particular, delegates will have to decide on future work on patent-related flexibilities, agree on measures to improve WIPO technical assistance, and agree on a review of the implementation of the WIPO Development Agenda Recommendations.
Obama Administration Backs New Open Data Policy 10/05/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment US President Barack Obama yesterday signed an executive order that requires federal agencies to make data publicly open in machine-readable formats, while appropriately safeguarding privacy, confidentiality, and security.
LDC Request For Waiver Of IP Obligations Meets Conditions From Developed Countries 09/05/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The request by least developed countries (LDCs) to push back the date on which they would have to enforce intellectual property rules under the World Trade Organization is the subject of informal consultations between delegations, as the deadline is fast approaching. Particularly at stake is the time period of the extension, which developed countries would prefer to be limited. Meanwhile, well over 100 academics have voiced support for the LDCs’ request.
GIs Closer To International Status As WIPO Committee Recommends Treaty Negotiation 03/05/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Geographical indications might rise to the same status as appellations of origin in a World Intellectual Property Organization treaty, which member states are seeking to amend in order to attract wider membership. After a week of negotiations on a draft revised treaty, member states have decided to recommend the convening of a high-level negotiating meeting in 2015 to approve the revision of the current instrument.
ASEAN Launches Portal To Facilitate IP Awareness 02/05/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has launched an intellectual property portal to serve as a hub for ASEAN on IP-related issues.
GIs Rub Against Trademark Protection In WIPO Discussions On Protection 02/05/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments Cognac, porto and tequila are appellations of origin protected under an international agreement managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization. Members of this agreement are seeking to modify it so it attracts a wider membership, in particular by including geographical indications. The exercise, however, is a complicated one as the new agreement has to be in tune with other international agreements, notably the World Trade Organization agreement on intellectual property.
Experts Offer Perspectives On R&D Policies In The Public Health Domain 01/05/2013 by Tiphaine Nunzia Caulier for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A panel of experts gathered at the Graduate Institute in Geneva last week discussed how to secure collective action to provide global public goods through research and development (R&D) for the particular public health needs of low and middle income countries.