Issues Of Interest To IP Community Abound At WTO Ministerial 14/12/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Despite the low-key role of intellectual property rights issues at this week’s World Trade Organization ministerial, there is plenty to think about for the IP community.
WHO Expert Group To Recommend Binding R&D Treaty Negotiation 14/12/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments A World Health Organization expert group has narrowed proposals under consideration for ways to finance research and development for diseases predominately affecting poor populations. Among the remaining recommendations is that WHO members launch negotiations for a binding treaty.
Out Of A Dilemma: Banning The Non-Violation Clause Under TRIPS 13/12/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The non-violation nullification of benefits is a clause that could be used if a WTO member deems that another member’s actions caused an unexpected loss of benefits, even if there is no violation of a WTO agreement. Developing countries are wary of this provision and the moratorium on its use under TRIPS is up for debate and probable renewal at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva this week, writes Daniele Dionisio.
WIPO Patent Committee Agrees To Continue Discussions On All Issues 10/12/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization patent law committee ended its meeting this week with status quo on all issues, after lively deliberations and new proposals but with all discussions left for further debate in 2012.
WIPO Patent Law Committee Sets Sights On “Balance” Among Member Interests 06/12/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization patent law committee this week is discussing a range of issues with a UN-style sensitivity to all levels of development and patent ownership. Issues on the agenda range from patent quality, public health, exceptions and limitations, client-attorney confidentiality, and technology transfer.
WTO General Council Extends Deadline For TRIPS Health Amendment 01/12/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The first and only amendment to the 1994 World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) was agreed with much aplomb at the Hong Kong ministerial in 2005. But getting countries to ratify the amendment has proven more difficult.
India: Novartis Hearing Postponed To February 30/11/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The Supreme Court in New Delhi has postponed the Novartis v. Union of India hearing. The case will now be heard on 28 February 2012.
IP, Trade And Public Health Leaders Turn A Page In History Together 24/11/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The importance of multilateralism, continuing global public health gains with sufficient funding, and finding a balance between the worlds of trade, intellectual property and public health were among the top issues raised during the a daylong high-level meeting at the World Trade Organization.
Doha+10: MSF Asks, What’s Next For TRIPS And Health? 22/11/2011 by Rachel Marusak Hermann, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment For Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF, or Doctors Without Borders), the 10th anniversary of the Doha Declaration on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and Public Health marks an opportunity to look forward.
WHO Pandemic Advisory Group Adjourns Early 22/11/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Health Organization Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework Advisory Group wrapped up its first meeting a day early. Scheduled to meet 21-23 November, the 18-member group was supposed to work out details on how to carry out its mandate, according to sources.