African Union Declares It Will Proceed With Pan-African IP Office 06/02/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The heads of state of the African Union (AU), the regional body working on African integration, have decided to proceed with the establishment of a Pan-African Intellectual Property Office (PAIPO), despite misgivings about the potential impact on their local economies.
Indigenous Peoples Rights’ Reaffirmed By UN Rapporteur, Panellists, At WIPO 05/02/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous People, James Anaya, was invited to speak at the opening of the World Intellectual Property Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) yesterday. Along with other indigenous peoples representatives, he called for more participation of indigenous peoples in the process and a focus on the protection of their traditional knowledge, while WIPO raised alarm on the almost thorough depletion of the voluntary fund allowing the participation of indigenous peoples.
FAO: New GMOs Rising In Developing Countries; Public Sector Key 04/02/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Contributions of participants at a recent e-conference organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on new genetically modified organisms show that a considerable number of new GMOs are likely to be released in developing countries in the next five years.
Plant Variety Protection Meets Resistance in Developing Countries; Consultations Coming 04/02/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Plant variety protection has raised concerns in Africa and in Latin America, and further developments are expected in 2013.
Polio Talks At WHO Board: Between Progress Made, The Final Push And The Role Of Partnership 03/02/2013 by Tiphaine Nunzia Caulier for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment On the occasion of the 132nd session of the World Health Organization Executive Board last week, delegations welcomed the efforts made by the international community to eradicate poliomyelitis (polio), but saw room for improvement. As a way forward, they looked to the key role played by WHO partners.
Intense Drafting Session Ahead For WIPO Delegates Working On Genetic Resources 01/02/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Next week, World Intellectual Property Organization delegates will convene for the first committee meeting of 2013. First up is the protection of genetic resources from misappropriation, and the goal of the week is to bridge gaps so they can construct a text that could become an international instrument on protection.
Genetic Resources And Traditional Knowledge : Getting The Rules Right For Agriculture: A Key Challenge For WIPO’s IGC 01/02/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments An essential relationship exists among the conservation, development and use of genetic resources, sustainable agriculture and food security. There is an equally essential relationship between the conservation, development and use of genetic resources and small scale-farmers. The strength and effectiveness of any treaty addressing IP and genetic resources depends on the meaningful participation of small-scale farmers, and those that can represent them, as in the treaty deliberations continuing next week at WIPO, write Susan Bragdon and Lynn Finnegan.
Pending Cutback In EU Spending For Development Cooperation 31/01/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The European Commission’s claims of support for development cooperation contrast with budget cuts for aid, raising doubts about the EU’s real will and ability to address today’s overall challenges and push for inclusive and sustainable development, writes Daniele Dionisio.
WHO Executive Board Concludes After ‘Unpredecented’ Workload 30/01/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Health Assembly’s rotating Executive Board meets twice a year, and on 29 January concluded its 132nd meeting with what the WHO director general termed an “unprecedented” amount of agenda items and documents.
Potential Elements Of The WHO Global R&D Treaty: Tailoring Solutions For Disparate Contexts 29/01/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Prof. Ryan Abbott analyzes the key components of the WHO proposal for a Global R&D Treaty and their potential impact on public health. The article proposes strategies to convert parties currently opposing the treaty, and argues that a stratified limited market-exclusivity regime has the capacity for a meaningful impact.