Tobacco Packaging, Green Tech, University IP On Plate Of WTO IP Committee 20/02/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Technology transfer for green technologies, and the compliance with international trade rules of plain packaging for tobacco products will once again be on the agenda of the World Trade Organization committee on intellectual property next week. A new agenda item on university technology partnerships is also expected to be discussed.
South African Traditional Knowledge Protection Bill Amends IP Laws 19/02/2014 by Linda Daniels for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The much-debated Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill in South Africa, aimed at boosting protection for traditional knowledge, was signed by President Jacob Zuma without much fanfare and promotion. What happens now?
3D Printing Will Cost The World USD100 Billion, Says Study 19/02/2014 by Julia Fraser for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A recent report predicts the loss of at least $100 billion per year in intellectual property globally by 2018 as a result of 3D printing.
Battles Over Patents: Is India Changing The Rules Of The Game? 18/02/2014 by Ranjitha Balasubramanyam for Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments Over the last couple of years, news of pharmaceutical patents and India’s attempts to protect and manage its market has caught the attention of intellectual property observers everywhere and the pharmaceutical industry in particular.
Paper Makes Recommendations For Exhaustion Of IP Rights 17/02/2014 by Julia Fraser for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A recent paper issued by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) compares existing exhaustion policies and makes recommendations for countries in the process of adopting their own regimes in this area. These have the potential to contribute to economic and social development, innovation and the protection of user rights globally, it said.
South Africa Promotion And Protection Of Investment Bill 2013 – A Review 13/02/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments On 1 November 2013, the South African Department of Trade and Industry published the draft “Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill” for comments. And two lawyers caution that if not careful, it could come in conflict with the country’s international intellectual property obligations.
Biopharma Industries, Others Urge Caution In US Patent Reform 12/02/2014 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A coalition of large and small companies and organisation – including the leading trade associations for the US pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries – has asked the US Congress to use caution in rewriting patent laws so as not to cause unintended harm to their ability to innovate.
WHO, IFRC Tap Swiss Federal Funds For New Buildings 12/02/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Health Organization and International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent have received approval of the Swiss Federal Council to receive millions of Swiss francs in loans for the purpose of planning new buildings in Geneva.
Interviews With The Candidates For WIPO Director General 12/02/2014 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments Member states of the UN World Intellectual Property Organization, the global body for international IP policy issues, will vote on 6 March for the next WIPO director general for six years. Intellectual Property Watch asked the candidates four key questions. Here are their responses.
DNDi Director: ‘Reality Check’ Needed For Neglected Diseases 11/02/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Research and development into neglected diseases – those predominately affecting poorer populations and for which there is little commercial incentive – is undergoing “remarkable advances and rude set-backs,” says Bernard Pécoul, executive director of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi). Now, governments need to show stronger leadership in bringing about long-term solutions, he said.