No Decision On WTO Plain Packaging Dispute Before May 2017 07/12/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The much-awaited decision of the World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement Body on Australia’s law requiring that tobacco products be sold in plain packages, challenged by four countries, has been postponed and is now expected “not before May 2017.”
Will The Voice Of Indigenous Peoples Disappear From WIPO Discussions To Protect Their Knowledge? 06/12/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment What would be the credibility of the World Intellectual Property Organization committee negotiating a system of protection for traditional knowledge held by indigenous peoples, if none of their representatives could participate in the meetings? That has been a recurring question asked by indigenous peoples and the organisation over the years. But now, if no voluntary contributions are made by governments or others, the next committee meeting could very well be first in 16 years held without a single observer from an indigenous community.
Support IP-Watch: An Appeal To Readers 06/12/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Intellectual Property Watch needs your financial support. As one of our readers, you know that IP-Watch plays a vital role in international policymaking on intellectual property and innovation through its independent, reliable, balanced and dedicated news coverage. But like other online news services around the world, the challenges of financial sustainability are high. Please help […]
TPP May Be Dead – But Its Impact Lingers 06/12/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments Despite the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) being – to all-intents-and-purposes – dead in the water, pursuit of some of the most egregious objectives of the corporate interests driving the TPP agenda rolls on. Pharma is persisting in its push for countries to adopt not just TRIPS-Plus, but in some cases even TPP-Plus intellectual property rules – presumably groundwork for the later emergence of a ‘son-of-TPP’ agreement, three authors write.
Russia To Establish New IP Register For Military Equipment, Weapons 06/12/2016 by Eugene Gerden for Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments A new register of intellectual property in the field of military and defence will soon be established in Russia in accordance with a recent decision of the national government, according to the state press service.
US Patent Office 2016 Humanity Awards Go To Health-Related Inventions 06/12/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The winners of the 2016 Patents for Humanity Award of the United States Patent and Trademark Office this year are recognised for providing global disease solutions. The inventions relate to malaria, vaccines, a life-threatening pregnancy complication, and meningitis.
WIPO Committee On Traditional Knowledge Agrees On Revised Text For Further Discussions 05/12/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment World Intellectual Property Organization delegates last week agreed on a revised set of draft articles to be further discussed at the next session of the committee working on a potential treaty to protect traditional knowledge. Views differed on the achievements of the week. For the proponents of a binding treaty, the text reflects a better understanding of issues, and some reduction in differences. However, for some developed countries not in favour of a treaty, gaps are still wide open and much work remains.
Non-Corporate Entities Join Forces Against Adoption Of Plant Breeders’ Rights Regulations In Africa 02/12/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, civil society, and farmers’ representatives have raised serious concerns on the upcoming adoption of draft regulations of a protocol protecting breeders’ rights in Africa. Civil society groups and farmers’ representatives have been blocked from participating in the meeting expected to adopt the regulations, according to them. The Special Rapporteur is calling for a halt to the process, and for starting again with a more transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based process.
Thomas Cueni Of Switzerland Named Director General Of IFPMA 02/12/2016 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Thomas Cueni of Switzerland has been named the next director general of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA), the Geneva-based organisation which represents the global research-based pharma industry.
UN Names New Head Of Convention On Biological Diversity 02/12/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Cristiana Paşca Palmer of Romania has been named executive secretary of the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).