Medals, Models And Moguls 21/09/2012 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Cobus Jooste writes: In this special report, the VineOracle (IPStell’s personal pundit on all things IP) brings news (and her own brand of predictions) for the aesthetically minded visitor. And it’s a star-studded cast of high-flyers (and fast swimmers) from Paris and New York representing some of the most exclusive brands. But do not be fooled by the A-list members on call, from what the VineOracle hears, these celebrities are prone to IP rights violations aplenty.
Protection Of Geographical Indications In Russia: Is Russian Vodka A Protected GI? 31/08/2012 by Daria Kim for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment For those who might be curious, the short answer is yes. For those who might be interested to learn more about the protection of geographical indications (GIs) in Russia, this article provides some insights into the Russian law that might be pertinent in light of Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization and recent developments in the international GI law.
NGOs Oppose US Proposal On Copyright For Trans-Pacific Trade Deal 30/08/2012 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments At least a dozen non-governmental groups from several continents have issued a joint statement opposing apparent copyright language proposed by the United States in the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement negotiations. The groups said the draft language, aimed at curbing copyright infringement, could undermine critical copyright exceptions, which are built into laws in order to protect society’s access to public knowledge.
WHO Hopes For “Domino Effect” Of Australian Ruling In Favour Of Tobacco Plain Packaging 15/08/2012 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The director of the World Health Organization, the global public health body, today vigorously applauded the ruling by Australia’s high court upholding the Australian government’s upcoming ban on trademarked labels on tobacco packages. The case pits international trade interests against public health interests, and the WHO said it hopes today’s ruling will have a “domino effect” for many other countries considering such bans.
Next WTO Ministerial To Be Held In Bali In December 2013 27/07/2012 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Trade Organization will hold its next ministerial level meeting in Bali, Indonesia, in the first week of December 2013, it announced today.
Access To Medicines And Intellectual Property In Jordan 23/07/2012 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments A new study sponsored by the Medicines Transparency Alliance (MeTA) sheds light on the impact of strong intellectual property protection on access to medicines.
Dominican Republic Files WTO Case Over Australian Tobacco Packaging 18/07/2012 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The Dominican Republic, a strong tobacco producer, today notified the World Trade Organization that it has launched a dispute settlement case against Australia over its new law requiring tobacco to be sold in plain packaging in order to discourage its use for public health reasons.
Special Report: Russia Amends IP Law In Advance Of WTO Accession 12/07/2012 by Daria Kim for Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments By September of this year, Russia is expected to become the 154th member of the World Trade Organization – 19 years after the accession application was received and the Working Party on the Accession of the Russian Federation established in June 1993. In advance of the accession, the Russian intellectual property rights law is being amended to meet the WTO accession requirements.
US Proposes 3-Step Test For Copyright Exceptions In Trans-Pacific Trade Talks 04/07/2012 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on 3 July announced the proposal of a new provision for a trade agreement that will put copyright exceptions and limitations to a 3-step test. The text of the provision was not made available to the public, and reaction to the news by public interest groups has been cautious.
Rio+20 Climate Talks Finish With Little IP; Flexibilities Under Fire 25/06/2012 by Patralekha Chatterjee for Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments RIO DE JANEIRO – Many of the technologies that can make the world more sustainable are available today. But how to transfer such green technologies to those most in need of them remains a question on which there are starkly divergent views – even after last week’s much-anticipated Rio+20 leaders’ summit.