Infojustice: Graphics Show Rise In US Pharma Exports To India, Patent Grants By India 24/02/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Mike Palmedo at Infojustice.org writes: “The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is currently investigating “Indian industrial policies that discriminate against U.S. imports… and the effect those barriers have on the U.S. economy and U.S. jobs.” The investigation was requested by Sen. Hatch, Sen. Baucus, Rep. Camp, and Rep. Levin, and the final report is due to be released in November. Last week it held a series of hearings, where it heard from U.S. business, Indian business, and civil society representatives.”
European Union Sees Flurry Of Activity On Copyright Policy 21/02/2014 by Julia Fraser for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment There have been several important developments related to copyright in the European Union in the past week. Below is a summary.
White House Announces Actions On Patents 20/02/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The White House today announced measures that it said will advance its battle against “patent trolls”, and urged Congress to pass patent reform legislation toward the effort. And the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a statement on its work in support of the executive actions.
Interview With Nazeem Mohamed, CEO Of Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries 20/02/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Nazeem Mohamed is chief executive officer of Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries (KPI), a Ugandan generic manufacturer. Local manufacture of medicines is described by many, including the World Health Organization, as one of the tools that will increase access to medicines. Mohamed is former vice-president of strategic product development at Novo Nordisk, based in Belgium. He also worked for several leading multinational companies such as Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline before his appointment as CEO of KPI. With Intellectual Property Watch, Mohamed discussed KPI, the challenges of local drug production, the burden of non-communicable diseases, the issue of substandard medicines, rules engineered in the West which can hinder affordability and access in a least-developed country, unfair competition, and unmet skills building needs.
TTIP: No Lowering Of Standards, Officials Say; New Trade Consultation Body Scrutinised 20/02/2014 by Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment After three rounds of negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), European Union Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht this week welcomed the progress so far. But negotiators have to “step up a gear,” de Gucht said after a two-day stocktaking meeting with the United States Trade Representative Michael Froman in Washington, DC on 18 February. Meanwhile, USTR announced new steps to raise public participation in trade negotiations.
South African Traditional Knowledge Protection Bill Amends IP Laws 19/02/2014 by Linda Daniels for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The much-debated Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill in South Africa, aimed at boosting protection for traditional knowledge, was signed by President Jacob Zuma without much fanfare and promotion. What happens now?
3D Printing Will Cost The World USD100 Billion, Says Study 19/02/2014 by Julia Fraser for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A recent report predicts the loss of at least $100 billion per year in intellectual property globally by 2018 as a result of 3D printing.
European Parliament Key Vote On Net Neutrality Laws – 24 February 19/02/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The European Parliament (EP) is scheduled to vote on 24 February on the draft Single Telecoms Package Regulation drafted by the Industry, Research and Energy Committee – on the future of neutral internet.
Battles Over Patents: Is India Changing The Rules Of The Game? 18/02/2014 by Ranjitha Balasubramanyam for Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments Over the last couple of years, news of pharmaceutical patents and India’s attempts to protect and manage its market has caught the attention of intellectual property observers everywhere and the pharmaceutical industry in particular.
South Africa Promotion And Protection Of Investment Bill 2013 – A Review 13/02/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments On 1 November 2013, the South African Department of Trade and Industry published the draft “Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill” for comments. And two lawyers caution that if not careful, it could come in conflict with the country’s international intellectual property obligations.