“Washington Declaration” Demands Return Of Public Interest In IP Rights 10/09/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 5 Comments A new multi-stakeholder declaration demanding that the public interest be returned to intellectual property rights was issued this week and is open for signatures by anyone, already collecting hundreds of supporters. The declaration contains numerous principles and actions, such as restraint in enforcement, open access, and development priorities, that the drafters hope will help change the course of IP policymaking.
US Chamber Urges More IP Protection As Job Booster; Tech Supporters Disagree 07/09/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The United States Chamber of Commerce this week released a letter urging the US government to take a series of steps to boost jobs in America, including passing controversial legislation to allow the US to unilaterally crack down on international websites it deems to be in violation of US intellectual property rights. But not everyone agrees this is the best approach.
Indian Supreme Court To Hear Novartis Challenge To India’s Patent Law 06/09/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 6 Comments The Indian Supreme Court today is expected to hear Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis’ case against a provision of Indian patent law aimed at preventing the extension of drug patents for minor changes in existing products, a practice known as evergreening.
Changes At The Top As RIAA Sees “Bright Future” 08/08/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The Recording Industry Association of America today announced that Cary Sherman has been named chairman and CEO amid claims that the music industry is looking up. Sherman takes over for Mitch Bainwol, who resigned to become CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
Promoting Caribbean Intellectual Property Law 08/08/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Across the world, the Caribbean is renowned for its unique flavors in music and entertainment, its beaches, cricket, and its commonly acclaimed fun and sun. While these are well-deserved, and are sources of just pride, this common perception provides foliage which bars the examination and explanation of the real problems and needs in intellectual property in the Caribbean, writes attorney Abiola Inniss.
WIPO Calls On Film Industry Stars To Promote Audiovisual Treaty 20/07/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The UN World Intellectual Property Organization yesterday invited a panel of international film producers and star Spanish actor Javier Bardem to sing the praise of an international treaty to help the audiovisual industry address the problem of unauthorised downloads of content that is a hallmark of the digital age.
WIPO Takes A Shot At ICANN’s Domain Dispute Reform 19/07/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The official responsible for the staid World Intellectual Property Organization internet domain dispute resolution procedures has again come out strongly against efforts by another international body to reform those dispute procedures.
US Chamber Urges Highest IP Standards In Trans-Pacific Trade Pact 19/07/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The largest United States industry association continues to push for the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP) to be the model of the highest intellectual property rights standards of any US agreement, matching the US-Korea free trade agreement.
Interview With Chief Judge Paul R. Michel On US Patent Reform 14/07/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 7 Comments Chief Judge Paul R. Michel (Ret.), of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, saw hundreds of patent cases during his distinguished career and has a unique position from which to view and offer advice on efforts in the US Senate and House of Representatives to agree on changes to domestic patent law. Intellectual Property Watch recently had the opportunity to interview Judge Michel on prospects for substantive patent reform in the US, the effect on future cases involving domestic and foreign patents, likely constitutional challenges, and the “non-problem” of non-practicing entities.
Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement: Did US Move Threaten Public Health? 12/07/2011 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments Civil society groups say a leaked document from regional free trade negotiations between countries bordering the Pacific Ocean shows the United States favouring giant pharmaceutical companies at the expense of public health. Separately, the tobacco industry is allegedly also trying to push for a clause to prevent plain packaging.