UNCTAD Handbook: IP And The CBD Protocol On Genetic Resources 30/04/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The Nagoya Protocol, adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity, provides a set of rules to prevent misappropriation of genetic resources. As such, it crosses paths with the international intellectual property system. This interface is the subject of a handbook to be published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
UNCTAD: IPRs In Health, Research, Cosmetics, Meet Access & Benefit Sharing 29/04/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The interactions between intellectual property and international rules of global access and benefit sharing were explored recently as an expert group meeting was convened by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to explore several areas where those interactions occur.
Global Public-Private Partnerships Against IP Crimes: How Interpol Avoided The Failures Of WCO And WHO 24/04/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Christopher J. Paun writes: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are often used as a way of increasing public policy options by tapping into private sector resources. This occurs also in the field of intellectual property. There are several examples of Global PPPs against IP crimes – some more successful than others. Some prominent failures received a lot of attention when PPP activities were stopped following controversy about global IP policy.
US Supreme Court May Invalidate Gene Patents, But Create Little Change 23/04/2013 by Steven Seidenberg for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Prior to 15 April, most experts had expected the United States Supreme Court to rule in Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics that genes cannot be patented. The oral argument on that date strengthened this consensus opinion, but also suggested that the court would issue a narrow decision which would allow many types of gene-related patents. Should this happen, the US would move significantly closer to other countries’ rules for gene patents, but the US would continue to have problems limiting patent rights in order to protect the public interest.
Curbing Vaccine Costs Key To Extending Global Immunisation Reach 22/04/2013 by Rachel Marusak Hermann, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment As the World Health Organization kicks off a week devoted to the promotion of vaccines, newly published research has identified challenges, such as weak supply systems and information gaps, that need to be addressed to scale-up global vaccine coverage. But some observers say that more attention should be paid to the soaring costs of vaccines, starting with a mechanism to track prices.
The Novartis Decision: A Tale Of Developing Countries, IP, And The Role Of The Judiciary 15/04/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Ahmed Abdel Latif says of the Novartis case: The ruling is also a revealing tale about the changing role of developing countries in the global intellectual property landscape and the growing influence of the judiciary in these countries in the implementation of international intellectual property rules.
Reports: Obama’s Proposed 2014 Budget Favours Patent Office, R&D, Generic Drugs 11/04/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment US President Barack Obama yesterday released his proposed budget for fiscal year 2014, and according to reports it would give the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) control over its revenues, and would be mixed for the biopharmaceutical industry while taking several steps to boost generic medicines.
Study: Misuse Of Patent System Affecting Health System In Australia 10/04/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Research from the University of Melbourne has found that patents may be keeping pharmaceuticals expensive in Australia, but said that most of the patents are being taken out by companies that are not the originators of the drugs.
Health Research Colloquium Calls On Countries To Invest More In R&D 09/04/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment During the recent Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED) Colloquium 2013, participants highlighted the value of research and development in supporting public health and the importance of building self-reliance for countries through government investment, according to organisers. Some of the themes discussed during the event will be included in a report on public health policy, which will be published in The Lancet later this year.
WIPO Hails India’s Accession To Trademark System; India Advocates Balance 09/04/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A full room of country delegates and ambassadors gathered yesterday to celebrate the accession of India to the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks at the World Intellectual Property Organization. However, beyond the joy of accession, the recent decision of the Indian Supreme Court on a Novartis drug patent loomed in the room.