US Copyright Reform Hearing Rescheduled To 12 December 11/10/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A hearing to consider a United States government “green paper” as part of the ongoing reform of the US copyright system has been moved to 12 December due to the government shutdown.
USTR Support Of USITC Ban On Samsung Imports Contrasts With Earlier Position 09/10/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) yesterday approved the US International Trade Commission’s ban on imports of certain electronics from Samsung, based in part on the fact that the patents in the case do not involve standard essential patents (SEPs). By contrast, concern over SEPs was a big reason for the recent White House decision to overturn a USITC finding that Apple had violated Samsung’s patents.
As US Government Shutdown Continues, Effects On IP System Grow 09/10/2013 by Steven Seidenberg for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The US government shutdown is now in its second week, causing more and more of the country’s intellectual property regime to grind to a halt. The shutdown’s effects also are rippling overseas, hindering US efforts to negotiate two major international trade deals containing significant IP provisions.
US Lays Out Process For Public Input To Copyright Policy Reform 08/10/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The United States Patent and Trademark Office has helped to outline the process for public comments and participation in the ongoing reform to the US copyright system. The focal point for discussion is a “green” paper issued in July, on which a hearing is scheduled this month.
US Patent On Selection Of Genetic Traits For Babies Fires Controversy 04/10/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A newly awarded patent on a process allowing parents to choose genetic traits from prospective donors for their children is creating a buzz in the United States and beyond.
WIPO Looks At Measuring Innovation; ITIF Sees Need For Policy Shift 04/10/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The innovative capacities of countries cannot be measured with a simplistic matrix, taking only into account the number of patents or the research and development expenditures, said a World Intellectual Property Organization official. Meanwhile, WIPO’s views were buttressed by an expert from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.
What The US Government Shutdown Means For Patents 01/10/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The United States Congress’ failure to pass a budget for the government by the end of the fiscal year on 30 September, which led to today’s shutdown, will have a variety of effects on the patent process, according to a new article.
Brazilian President Warns US On Surveillance, Calls For UN Reform 25/09/2013 by Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Brazilian President Dilma Roussef yesterday sent a stern warning to the United States over ongoing revelations of state espionage during the opening of the 68th United Nations General Assembly in New York and at the same time called for a multilateral framework for internet governance.
Negotiators, Stakeholders Tell Tale Of WIPO Marrakesh Treaty Negotiation, Look To Implementation 20/09/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Several negotiators and other stakeholders participating in last June’s successful negotiation of an international treaty to ease access to reading material for blind and visually impaired people recently gathered in Washington, DC to look back on the remarkable and at-times bitter talks. Months later, not all agree on certain historical details, such as the US position, but all agree it was a significant accomplishment.
Members Of US Congress Urge US To Oppose Re-Election Of WIPO Director Gurry 20/09/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 7 Comments A handful of influential members of the United States Congress have sent a letter to US Secretary of State John Kerry, urging the Obama administration not to support the re-election of World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Francis Gurry.