New Text For Committee On Traditional Knowledge, Folklore, And Genetic Resources 17/10/2008 by Kaitlin Mara for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The chair of the World Intellectual Property Organization Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore has released a draft chairman’s proposal for accelerated work at the next two meetings of the IGC. The text of the document, which includes draft terms of reference for three working groups on traditional cultural […]
WIPO Poised To Move To Talks On Potential Traditional Knowledge “Treaty” 17/10/2008 by Kaitlin Mara for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment By Kaitlin Mara and William New Member states of the committee on traditional knowledge, genetic resources, and folklore at the World Intellectual Property Organization on Friday must decide whether and how they will carry on the work of the committee after this week’s session ends. Inherent in that decision is whether the group sets the […]
Progress In WIPO Traditional Knowledge Committee Seen In Informal Sessions 16/10/2008 by Kaitlin Mara for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment By Kaitlin Mara Movement is beginning to be seen at the World Intellectual Property Organization body tasked with discussing protection for traditional knowledge and folklore as informal meetings – and, in particular, bilateral meetings between the African Group and other regional groups – begin to bridge differences on modalities for future work. Plenary sessions were […]
WIPO Committee On Traditional Knowledge And Folklore Running In Place 16/10/2008 by Kaitlin Mara for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment By Kaitlin Mara Work of the World Intellectual Property Organisation body dedicated to the protection of traditional knowledge and folklore this week has moved largely to informal meetings after progress in the full plenary sessions over the first few days proved elusive. Key points of discussion are whether to hold additional meetings over the coming […]
WTO Members Call For More TRIPS Talks; Director Post May Open Up 14/10/2008 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment By William New Whether the World Trade Organization director general position will be up for grabs in the new year remains a question, as current DG Pascal Lamy is deciding by December whether to run for the post again. Meanwhile, numerous member governments on Tuesday called for any further trade negotiations at the WTO to […]
Stage Set For WIPO To Advance On Traditional Knowledge, Folklore Protection 11/10/2008 by Kaitlin Mara for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment By Kaitlin Mara The World Intellectual Property Organization committee on traditional knowledge and genetic resources meets next week with a new sense of purpose. New on the table are two detailed reports from the secretariat highlighting areas where international policy may be needed, an African Group proposal calling for an international instrument, and the encouragement […]
“IP5” Biggest Patent Offices Meet As WIPO Assembly Proceeds On Policies 25/09/2008 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment By William New Top officials from the world’s five biggest patent offices met Wednesday night in Geneva to discuss ways to further harmonise their activities, United States Patent Commissioner John Doll told Intellectual Property Watch. Meanwhile, members of the World Intellectual Property Organization gave direction to committees on enforcement, copyright, and traditional knowledge and genetic […]
Idris Bids WIPO Farewell; Newly Appointed DG Gurry Outlines Initiatives 22/09/2008 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments By William New Australian Francis Gurry became the next in a short list of leaders of the World Intellectual Property Organization Monday, and promptly signalled a programme of increased multilateralism and bolstered global and local relevance for the United Nations body. Gurry’s appointment to director general followed an emotional farewell to WIPO by Kamil Idris, […]
Naming DG Tops List Of Policy, Administrative Issues For WIPO Assembly 22/09/2008 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment By William New The 2008 annual assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization likely will be remembered for some time, as the choices member governments make there this week may have a profound effect on the future of the United Nations organisation. Topping the list is the appointment of a new WIPO director general, who […]
New IP Model Proposed To Facilitate Technology Access In Developing Countries 19/09/2008 by Wagdy Sawahel for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment By Wagdy Sawahel for Intellectual Property Watch Biotechnology policymakers, business leaders, and academics need to adopt a new intellectual property strategy focussed on cooperation and collaboration, rather than the current counterproductive model that encourages patenting as much as possible, says the report of an international panel of experts. Prepared by an international expert group on […]