Brazilian Patent Reform Report Launched 15/10/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Infojustice.org reports: Last week, the report Brazilian Patent Reform: Innovation Towards Competitiveness was launched at an event at the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies.
WTO: Tobacco Plain-Packaging Battle Flares Up; Sports And IP Issues Take The Field 14/10/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Trade Organization intellectual property committee last week agreed on a draft decision on disputes that are not in direct violation of WTO IP rules but where one country’s measures negatively affect another country’s expected benefits. Plain packaging for tobacco products was also discussed as Ireland is preparing to introduce such a measure meant to discourage tobacco use, and some countries presented their views on the importance of IP rights in sports.
WHO Fine-Tuning Pandemic Flu Preparedness Strategy, Use Of Industry Contributions 11/10/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Health Organization is putting the finishing touches on an implementation plan for industry’s financial participation in the global influenza preparedness strategy. This week the advisory group met to discuss a draft plan presented by the WHO secretariat, which should now come up with a revised version for implementation in early 2014, according to the chair of the advisory group.
Right To Benefits Of Science: Human Rights Meet IP Rights 10/10/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments A seminar on the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications was held at the United Nations last week with panellists exploring the intersection between intellectual property and human rights in the context of public health, agriculture, and the role of flexibilities to achieve balance between private and public interests.
At WTO, Online Pharmacy Watchdog, Tobacco Industry Explain Anti-Counterfeiting Efforts 07/10/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The US Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center organised a panel during the World Trade Organization Public Forum last week to explore what industry sees as challenges of trade in the digital age. Three panellists presented concerns – mainly counterfeiting – and solutions they have put in place to address such challenges.
US Patent On Selection Of Genetic Traits For Babies Fires Controversy 04/10/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A newly awarded patent on a process allowing parents to choose genetic traits from prospective donors for their children is creating a buzz in the United States and beyond.
WHO Group To Discuss Plan For Industry Use Of Pandemic Flu Viruses 02/10/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A closed-door working group under the World Health Organization will meet next week to continue working out details of a plan for companies to pay for the right to use influenza virus strains to potentially develop patented treatments.
Upcoming TRIPS Council: IP And Sports, Green Tech, Public Health 29/09/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The upcoming meeting of the World Trade Organization committee on intellectual property includes a newcomer on the agenda. The European Union, Jamaica, Mexico and the United States have requested an agenda item on intellectual property and sports.
WTO Panel Established In Honduras Case Vs. Australia Tobacco Packaging 28/09/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement Body has established a panel on a complaint by Honduras against Australia’s measure to require tobacco to be sold in plain packaging as a public health measure.
At WIPO, Differences Remain On Global Priorities In Patent Law 28/09/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Differences on how nations view patent law and the need for more international harmonisation became apparent this week at the World Intellectual Property Organization annual General Assembly.