World Health Assembly To Address Organisational Reform, IP Issues 13/05/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The state of global health and the work of the international organisation in charge of providing leadership in public health matters will be scrutinised at the annual World Health Assembly starting next week.
New Texts In Play In WIPO Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources Talks 12/05/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Negotiators trying this week to advance talks for UN World Intellectual Property Organization treaties on traditional knowledge, genetic resources, and folklore have made progress on draft texts, but are facing sharp criticism from indigenous groups and some governments claiming their concerns are being ignored.
Reforms Needed To Open WIPO’s Door Wider To Development, Diplomat Says 11/05/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The adoption of a Development Agenda by the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization three years ago was seen by most as a success for developing countries and a sign that the organisation was assuming its role as a United Nations agency to a fuller extent. However, according to a lead official on Development Agenda implementation, there is still a long way to go and changes are needed.
Panel: Indigenous Rights Integral To Treaty On Knowledge, Folklore and Genes 10/05/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Although indigenous peoples’ rights are recognised in a number of international declarations, the implementation of those rights is difficult to achieve, according to panellists at an event opening this week’s World Intellectual Property Organization negotiations toward a treaty to protect traditional knowledge, folklore and genetic resources.
US Senator Introduces ‘Do-Not-Track’ Legislation 09/05/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation has announced he will introduce legislation that would allow consumers to control the collection and use of their personal information by online companies. The bill would include the possibility of enforcement action against non-complying companies.
UNCTAD: Bundle Of Opportunities To Improve Medicines Access In LDCs 09/05/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Access to essential medicines in least developed countries (LDCs) could be facilitated through local production, according to a report released today by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
TRIPS Amendments Needed To Restore Balance In IP, Researchers Say 06/05/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Current global intellectual property obligations are seen by some as favouring rights holders to the detriment of the public interest, and a series of amendments to international rules on trade and IP could address this, says a new book from a respected European think tank.
Consumers’ Rights Still Not On Equal Footing With Copyright Owners’, Study Finds 03/05/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The newly published third annual Consumers International IP Watchlist shows that most countries offer weak support for consumer interests in access to knowledge and the global copyright system seems ill-equipped to respond to the new consumer creativity evolving on internet. However, the study found that some countries are demonstrating good practices when it comes to consumers.
WHO Calls For Proposals To Finance R&D For Diseases Affecting Developing World 02/05/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A call for proposals was launched today by the World Health Organization expert group in charge of making recommendations on ways to encourage and finance research and development for diseases that mostly affect developing countries.
WHO: Chronic Diseases Can Be Reduced 27/04/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Health Organization has launched today in Moscow its first Global Status Report on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs).