Controversial US Bill Targeting “Rogue Websites” Introduced In US Congress 27/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Legislation giving new powers to the government and copyright holders in the United States to unilaterally block payments to or take down websites deemed by US courts to be infringing intellectual property rights has been introduced into the House of Representatives. Now the policy fight begins.
Revised EPO Patent For Conventional Broccoli Has Public Interest Ramifications 27/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments A patent for a conventionally bred form of the common household vegetable broccoli appears to be on its way to acceptance by the European Patent Office following a change to the patent by the company filing it, according to sources. The decision not to revoke the patent, which has been the subject of protests and now calls for action in national courts, could clear the way for hundreds of other vegetable patents to follow, a source said.
US Copyright Office Releases Priorities For Next Two Years 25/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The US Copyright Office today issued its priorities and projects for the next two years, targeting studies, legislation, trade and foreign relations, and administrative law.
Philippines IP Office: ‘Our Meeting Is Not Fostering Corporate Greed’ 25/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The Philippines Intellectual Property Office has issued a statement in response to criticism that an IP enforcement meeting it is hosting this week with numerous corporate representatives “does not favor big corporations.”
US To Seek Bids To Manage Key Aspect Of The Internet 25/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment It is often said the internet was created in the United States, though techies around at the time are quick to point out the international efforts that were involved. Since its creation, US management of the internet domain name system has been internationalised through the creation and gradual independence of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). But the US has always kept its hand on one critical aspect of the internet – and is now putting it up for bid.
WIPO Defends Involvement In IP Enforcement Meeting In The Philippines 24/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The World Intellectual Property Organization, a United Nations agency with nearly 200 member states, is under criticism for its connection with a Western industry-heavy event this week in the Philippines aimed at fighting intellectual property counterfeiting and piracy. The concern from technology industry and consumer advocates is that WIPO is involved in an overly one-sided event and did not sufficiently notify its diverse membership or the public of its activities.
Palestinian Membership In UNESCO Could Raise Questions For US At WIPO 21/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Members of the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) are preparing to vote to allow Palestine to become a member, according to sources. If this happens, it could create uncertainty about United States membership in UN agencies, including the World Intellectual Property Organization.
How To Respond To A Cease & Desist Letter 21/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments US companies are generally known to be much more litigious than non-US companies. Thus, if you are a non-US company looking to enter the US market, it is prudent to understand the nuances of responding to a cease and desist letter. While cease and desist letters can be upsetting and sometimes confusing, there are a series of steps that companies can take to be better prepared in the event that they do receive one.
EU High Court Bans Patents On Human Embryo Stem Cells For Commerce 18/10/2011 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The European Union high court today outlawed the patenting of human embryo stem cells for scientific research or commercial purposes. The decision has forced European courts to examine the “ethical boundaries of patenting,” said Greenpeace, which challenged a German patent in the case. While there are alternate methods for obtaining stem cells, the ruling will nevertheless affect some research, one patent lawyer said.
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.