Bontekoe Is New WIPO Legal Counsel; Kwakwa Heads Global Challenges, Traditional Knowledge 18/08/2016 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The World Intellectual Property Organization quietly changed legal counsel this month after more than a decade, with veteran Edward Kwakwa moving to a new senior post in the United Nations organisation and Frits Bontekoe moving from the UN refugee agency to head the WIPO team.
Switzerland Stars, China In Top 25, Innovation Rating Finds 15/08/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 5 Comments A global innovation rating has found Switzerland to be the most innovative nation in the world for the sixth consecutive year even if some other countries are on its heels. The lead group of countries continued to be mainly composed of most economically advanced nations, while innovation is lagging in many developing countries, but China and India made notable leaps up the list this year. The rankings stirred a broader discussion today of the shifting global economy and the role of innovation, including a call for a new approach to global innovation governance.
Updated List Of Geneva Delegates Responsible For IP 29/07/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment There are many, many committees, councils, panels, meetings, receptions, conferences, assemblies – not to mention countless private lunches, coffees and other contacts – during the year in Geneva that address policy issues related to intellectual property, innovation, research & development and the like. Intellectual Property Watch provides an indispensable, up-to-date list of who you need to talk to when you want to get the message across or follow the action.
Summer Changes Make A Splash In The IP Community 28/07/2016 by Catherine Saez and Alexandra Nightingale for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Over the summer months, people in the intellectual property world continue to circulate. UNITAID has changed heads, and other well-known figures in Geneva set off to new horizons. And no rest it seems for law offices, which maintained their usual level of moves between firms. Here is the latest on People in the IP community.
Libraries, Groups Welcome WIPO Copyright Appointment, With Hope 28/07/2016 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A range of highly active groups at the World Intellectual Property Organization representing libraries, archives, and digital civil liberties this week welcomed the appointment of a copyright industry lobbyist to lead WIPO copyright issues. But they have voiced their hope that the appointee, Sylvie Forbin of France, will quickly show leadership on the promotion and support of the cultural heritage sector as it relates to copyright.
Patenting By Universities Unhelpful, Paper Says; WIPO Programme To Be Reviewed 19/07/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments A new publication analysing the relationship between intellectual property and access to science explores ways countries have developed to counter the potential barriers created by IP rights, and says patenting by universities is counterproductive.
V4 Countries Launch Visegrad Patent Institute As Region’s First ISA, IPEA 08/07/2016 by Jaroslaw Adamowski for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment With the aim of strengthening regional cooperation in intellectual property, the four member states of the Visegrad Group, which comprises Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, launched the Visegrad Patent Institute (VPI) on 1 July. Applicants will be allowed to communicate with the institutions in their respective mother tongues, and fees for Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications will be reduced by as much as 40 percent, according to Poland’s Patent Office (UPRP).
WIPO Patent Law Committee Adopts Work Programme; Good Omen, Some Say 30/06/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment World Intellectual Property Organization members attending this week’s patent law committee meeting agreed on a work programme, reflecting divergent views on patents and health, exceptions and limitations, and patent quality.
WIPO Treaty On Copyright Exceptions For Visually Impaired Enters In Force 30/06/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments The World Intellectual Property Organization treaty to facilitate access to books in special formats for visually impaired people will enter into effect, as the 20th member state acceded to the treaty today.
Africa Regional Group Proposes Patents And Health Programme At WIPO 29/06/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment This week in the World Intellectual Property Organization patent law committee, the African Group submitted an updated proposal for a work programme on patents and health that would help developing countries tailor patent law to their circumstances.