To Stem Infringement, Block Money – Not Information 18/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The Protect IP Act, currently pending in the United States Senate, contains a range of steps designed to support the holders of American copyrights and trademarks by fighting a specific part of the online infringement problem: “rogue” websites whose primary or intended use is the infringement of US copyrights or trademarks. The bill would take promising new steps to diminish the financial rewards of IPR infringement – but it is saddled with ill-advised information blocking provisions that should, and probably will, be prevented from passing the Senate in its current form, writes David Robinson.
WIPO Members Embark On Busy Year Of IP Policymaking 17/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment World Intellectual Property Organization members this month approved a range of reports from WIPO negotiating committees and took note of changes within the UN agency. Now with the annual WIPO General Assemblies over, work has begun on a hefty policymaking work programme this autumn. Here’s a rundown of what’s coming.
Recommendations For Navigating IP Terrain Emerge From UNITAID Forum 17/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The third consultative forum of drug-purchasing mechanism UNITAID held in Geneva on 4-5 October resulted in a set of recommendations related to intellectual property rights and medicines access. The forum provided the opportunity for a wide array of global health actors, industry and country representatives to review the organisation’s progress in the last five years and to provide input on its future activities.
Trade And Access To Medicines: Things The WTO Should Consider 14/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments Some pending thorny issues linked with trade and access to medicines in developing countries did not come up at the September Public Forum of the World Trade Organization. As unsolved matters closely joining together trade and equitable access to medicines, they might serve as things the WTO should consider to help keep itself relevant and interesting, writes Daniele Dionisio.
Trading Knowledge As A Public Good: A Proposal For The WTO 14/10/2011 by Rachel Marusak Hermann, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Years of deadlock in the Doha Round of trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) has prompted some to question the institution’s effectiveness, and even, its relevance. But for others, the stalemate seems to be favourable for new ideas and new ways to think about global trade.
Tech Industry Raises Concern Over Protect IP Act 14/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments Several US trade associations representing the high-tech and communications industries raised concerns this week about a bill in Congress that would boost the US government’s ability to take down websites over fears of intellectual property infringement. The tech industry groups said the bill could have a negative impact on the economy and jobs, they said.
US IP Rights Holders Hail New FTAs With Colombia, Panama, Korea 13/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Groups representing intellectual property rights holders in the United States are hailing the newly passed bilateral free trade agreements between the US and Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.
US Senator Questions Constitutionality Of ACTA 12/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 10 Comments The Obama administration’s recent signing of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement may face a US constitutional challenge as a member of the US Senate today called into question the administration’s power to negotiate and enter into such a trade agreement without Congress’s approval.
Unpunished Human Rights Violations Challenge Right To Food, Activists Say 11/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Despite international frameworks and mechanisms to protect food security as a human right, a number of violations are committed in total impunity, according to the third edition of the “Right to Food and Nutrition Watch” issued today, this year with a focus on accountability issues.
Medicines Patent Pool Signs Deal With Indian Generics Producer 11/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The Medicines Patent Pool, which negotiates voluntary licences for lower pharmaceutical prices, today announced the signing of an agreement with generics producer Aurobindo Pharma Limited to manufacture antiretroviral medicines. The Patent Pool has recently come under criticism from AIDS activists concerned about its July licence agreement with drug company Gilead, and it remains to be seen if this action will address their concerns.