Status Quo For WIPO Committee On Genetic Resources; Dialogue Ongoing To Unlock It 22/02/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The amiable mood which prevailed at the outset of the World Intellectual Property Organization committee on genetic resources and traditional knowledge meeting did not hold as negotiations on language of a potential treaty text to prevent misappropriation of genetic resources unearthed vivid divisions on the way to achieve such prevention. In addition, the participation of indigenous peoples is jeopardised by lack of funds, and the committee called for governments to help.
Genetics Disclosure Requirement In IP Applications Necessary To Comply With Obligations, Speakers Say 19/02/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments As World Intellectual Property Organization members struggled this week to find consensus on the wording of a potential treaty protecting genetic resources from misappropriation, a side event explored the role of WIPO and the intellectual property system in preventing such misappropriation.
Questions Over WIPO Statements At UN Secretary-General’s Panel On Access To Medicines 17/02/2016 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, was unique among Geneva-based UN agencies for offering views at both recent meetings of the UN High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines held in Geneva and New York this month. Now WIPO has come under criticism from public health advocates for the views it gave.
Chair Of WIPO Committee On Genetic Resources Issues Draft Plan For The Week 15/02/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization committee working on policy solutions to protect genetic resources and traditional knowledge from misuse and misappropriation resumed its work today after a year hiatus. The newly elected chair, from Australia, issued an indicative methodology and programme for the week.
Russia’s Promising Combined Ebola Vaccine: Phase III Trials To Start In 2016 15/02/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Russian Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova said today that two “highly effective” vaccines against Ebola have been developed over the course of 15 months in Russia. The combined vaccine GamEvac-Combi was presented during a briefing, with the two scientists who developed it, who own the intellectual property rights on the vaccines in Russia.
Changes Among IP Experts In Private Sector, Law Offices And More 12/02/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Movements at the World Economic Forum, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, along with changes in the academic and private sectors worlds marked the beginning of 2016. The early part of the new year has also brought some changes in the intellectual property divisions of law firms.
Discussions On Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge Resume At WIPO Against Stormy Background 11/02/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment After a hiatus of one year, the WIPO Committee working on the protection of genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore against misappropriation resumes its work next week. The subject is touchy, with most developing countries asking for legal protection, while some developed countries do not want to consider binding rules. Disagreement already arose at the end of 2015 over interpretation of the committee’s mandate, freshly approved in October.
US Industry IP Index Rates Nations 11/02/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The United States Chamber of Commerce has released an index rating countries on their use and treatment of intellectual property and innovation, finding the United States to be top in the world. The report scores the largest emerging economies relatively low, including China, despite that country’s dominance in rates of IP filings in recent years, […]
Kenyan Musicians Escalate Fight For Royalties 10/02/2016 by Fredrick Nzwili for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment NAIROBI, Kenya — The battle for music royalties in Kenya has spurred musicians and artists to demand transparency and accountability in the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), the body that collects and distributes the fees.
The Year Ahead In Biotechnology And Intellectual Property 08/02/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The year 2016 promises to be rich in debates on plant patenting, protection of genetic resources and traditional knowledge, and biopharmaceuticals. Here are some key issues and dates to watch for.