Report Finds Stronger Regulation Spurs Chemical Innovation 26/02/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments New research shows that more rigid laws regulating hazardous chemicals encourage innovation in both large and small companies, according to a report published by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL).
UN Agency Ties Fraudulent Pharmaceuticals To Organised Crime In West Africa 26/02/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A United Nations agency has linked shipments of fraudulent pharmaceuticals with cocaine trafficking and smuggling of migrants as illegal activities carried out by transnational organised crime syndicates that are contributing to instability in West Africa.
WIPO Patent Committee Moves Quickly Through Agenda; Heavy Lifting To Come 26/02/2013 by Rachel Marusak Hermann, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment After months of delay, the Standing Committee of the Law of Patents (SCP) opened a meeting on 25 February at the World Intellectual Property Organization and will endeavour to advance negotiations on highly contentious issues including quality of patents, patents and health, and exceptions and limitations to patent rights.
Monsanto, Myriad: Two US Legal Cases Shaking Biotech Industries 18/02/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments The biotechnology industry has growing concerns over decisions to be taken this year by the United States Supreme Court in two cases involving the patenting of human genes and the exhaustion of patent rights in the context of easily reproducible products. Several areas of biotechnology could be affected by unfavourable decisions, provoking legal uncertainty and discouraging innovation, industry representatives said in a recent telephone conference. In the meantime, civil society stands fast in opposition.
Event Explains Partnerships In Natural Products Research Through Thai Experience With Novartis 13/02/2013 by Tiphaine Nunzia Caulier for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Alongside the World Intellectual Property Organization meeting on protection of genetic resources last week, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) organised a side event on natural product research.
Texts Show Details Of EU Parliament Transparency Directive Vote 13/02/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The European Parliament last week overwhelmingly adopted a text on transparency that was said to improve conditions for generic medicines in the region. The voting documents are now available.
Letter Shows US Pressure On Global Fund For Compulsory Licensing, Generics 12/02/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A 2011 letter from the top Republican on the United States Senate Finance Committee condemned efforts by the Global Fund to train public health officials on the use of flexibilities to the patent system contained in international trade rules. The letter, which also attacked the purchase of generic medicines over brand-name drugs, came just months before the US helped remove the head of the Global Fund, ultimately replacing him with an American official.
Report Proposes Solutions To Address Non-Communicable Diseases 11/02/2013 by Tiphaine Nunzia Caulier for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment An industry-backed group of experts has issued a report identifying significant obstacles to addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and proposing solutions to reduce premature deaths caused by NCDs.
Tracking IP Influencers’ Latest Moves 07/02/2013 by Rachel Marusak Hermann, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment From changes in policymaking leadership and staffing shake-ups to a flurry of hiring in law firms and new strategic alliances, the past few months have been an interesting time for IP people watching. With over 40 news items and over 80 names, here’s a substantial update on who’s who across governments, nonprofit organisations, and the private sector.
WHO, WTO, WIPO Provide Policymakers Policy Options For Public Health 06/02/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The launch of a study co-edited by the World Trade Organization, World Health Organization, and World Intellectual Property Organization on the intersection between public health, intellectual property and trade drew a full attendance from a wide array of stakeholders on 5 February.