IP Rights Impact Practice Of Science, Global Justice, Author Says 26/02/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Intellectual property has a strong effect on the practice of science, leading to a shift in research attention for the benefit of the rich, while impeding access to essential goods for the disadvantaged, according to a recent book.
UNITAID Assesses Potential Implications Of Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement 26/02/2014 by Julia Fraser for Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments UNITAID is expected to soon publish a report on the implications of the leaked provisions of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP) on public health and access to medicines.
Year Ahead: Biotech, IP Promise to Create Controversy From Farms To Big Pharma In 2014 25/02/2014 by Liza Porteus Viana, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The intersection of biotechnology and intellectual property continues to be a hot topic across the globe. From the patenting of certain plant varieties to human genes, to biodiversity and food security, to genetic resources, countries from developing to developed are attempting to navigate often blurred lines in terms of what can and cannot be patented, what should – and shouldn’t – be patented, and protecting innovators from farmers to plant breeders to drug manufacturers.
Infojustice: Graphics Show Rise In US Pharma Exports To India, Patent Grants By India 24/02/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Mike Palmedo at Infojustice.org writes: “The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is currently investigating “Indian industrial policies that discriminate against U.S. imports… and the effect those barriers have on the U.S. economy and U.S. jobs.” The investigation was requested by Sen. Hatch, Sen. Baucus, Rep. Camp, and Rep. Levin, and the final report is due to be released in November. Last week it held a series of hearings, where it heard from U.S. business, Indian business, and civil society representatives.”
Interview With Nazeem Mohamed, CEO Of Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries 20/02/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Nazeem Mohamed is chief executive officer of Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries (KPI), a Ugandan generic manufacturer. Local manufacture of medicines is described by many, including the World Health Organization, as one of the tools that will increase access to medicines. Mohamed is former vice-president of strategic product development at Novo Nordisk, based in Belgium. He also worked for several leading multinational companies such as Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline before his appointment as CEO of KPI. With Intellectual Property Watch, Mohamed discussed KPI, the challenges of local drug production, the burden of non-communicable diseases, the issue of substandard medicines, rules engineered in the West which can hinder affordability and access in a least-developed country, unfair competition, and unmet skills building needs.
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.
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.
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.