Irony? Publisher Celebrates IP By Revoking IP 26/04/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment There’s no better way to celebrate something than by doing the opposite of it. That seems to be the message of a leading publishing company. In a campaign today to hail the virtues of intellectual property, it appears to be hoping to gain goodwill – and possibly some sales – by removing intellectual property on its products.
Innovative R&D Financing Discussed At Geneva Health Forum 26/04/2016 by Priti Patnaik for Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The recent Geneva Health Forum captured the fevered pitch in the larger ongoing conversation around innovative financing for research and development for public health. A new report on a voluntary pooled fund for neglected diseases was discussed at the forum.
Russia: New Amendments Would Allow Use Of Inventions Without Permission Of Patent Holders 18/04/2016 by Eugene Gerden for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The Russian government is considering approval of a package of controversial amendments to national legislation that would allow the use of inventions without the permission of patent holders.
Study Finds Gaps In Africa-EU Health Research And Innovation Links 15/04/2016 by Munyaradzi Makoni for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Health research collaborations between Africa and Europe do not match up with Africa’s own stated funding intentions, says a report published by a European Union-funded project.
Trade Secrets Directive Clears European Parliament Despite Concerns 14/04/2016 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Rejecting calls for a vote to be delayed until the European Commission proposes tougher whistle-blower protections, the European Parliament on 14 April approved by 503-131 new rules giving companies redress for theft or misuse of trade secrets. Debate on the trade secrets directive showed sharp divisions among lawmakers, heightened by the recent “Panama Papers” and other leaks, over whether the legislation will help businesses safeguard their innovative ideas or lead to increased corporate secrecy.
EU Consults On “Neighbouring Rights” For Publishers And “Panorama” Copyright Exceptions 08/04/2016 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The European Commission is considering giving publishers the same “neighbouring” rights currently available to broadcasters and producers of someone else’s copyrighted content, it said in a 23 March consultation document. The inquiry is part of the EC’s digital single market initiative to boost Europe’s digital economy.
Council Of Europe Internet Governance Strategy 2016-2019 Stresses Human Rights 01/04/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The Council of Europe, the 47-member intergovernmental group based in Strasbourg, France, this week adopted an internet governance strategy for the next four years, putting particular emphasis on human rights and democracy online. The strategy includes a series of steps and actions.
India, EU Leaders Touch On IPR, Innovation, ICTs, Pharmaceuticals 30/03/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The leaders of India and the European Council today in Brussels discussed a wide range of topics including intellectual property rights – including geographical indications – innovation, digital issues, and health and pharmaceuticals.
Leading US TV Operators In IP Clash With Russian TV Channels 24/03/2016 by Eugene Gerden for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Leading Russian television channels, among which are First Channel, STS, Ren TV, TNT the Comedy, Nostalgia and some others, have filed a class action lawsuit related to intellectual property rights in a New York court against their US repeaters, including Infomir, Panorama TV, Goodzone TV.
Geographical Indications In The TTIP: Faites Vos Jeux 23/03/2016 by Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Ever heard of Törkölypálinka? It is a Hungarian grape marc spirit and one of approximately 200 geographical origins listed by the European Commission negotiators of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). In their newly published proposals, the EU negotiators laid out their ideas on GI protection in the deal, and point to an earlier EU-US agreement with regard to GI protection of wines and spirits. But they also acknowledge the need for considerable bridging between the two systems. GI protection is expected to be one of the highly controversial issues in the “end game” of TTIP.