International Standard-Setting Policies Unclear On IP, US Study Finds 15/10/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A new study of 12 leading international standard-setting organisations (SSOs) found a high degree of inconsistency and lack of clarity when it comes to intellectual property rights and licensing. The study also includes analyses on how standards policies are evolving in Brazil, China and India.
WTO: Tobacco Plain-Packaging Battle Flares Up; Sports And IP Issues Take The Field 14/10/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Trade Organization intellectual property committee last week agreed on a draft decision on disputes that are not in direct violation of WTO IP rules but where one country’s measures negatively affect another country’s expected benefits. Plain packaging for tobacco products was also discussed as Ireland is preparing to introduce such a measure meant to discourage tobacco use, and some countries presented their views on the importance of IP rights in sports.
WHO Fine-Tuning Pandemic Flu Preparedness Strategy, Use Of Industry Contributions 11/10/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Health Organization is putting the finishing touches on an implementation plan for industry’s financial participation in the global influenza preparedness strategy. This week the advisory group met to discuss a draft plan presented by the WHO secretariat, which should now come up with a revised version for implementation in early 2014, according to the chair of the advisory group.
Right To Benefits Of Science: Human Rights Meet IP Rights 10/10/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments A seminar on the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications was held at the United Nations last week with panellists exploring the intersection between intellectual property and human rights in the context of public health, agriculture, and the role of flexibilities to achieve balance between private and public interests.
USTR Support Of USITC Ban On Samsung Imports Contrasts With Earlier Position 09/10/2013 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) yesterday approved the US International Trade Commission’s ban on imports of certain electronics from Samsung, based in part on the fact that the patents in the case do not involve standard essential patents (SEPs). By contrast, concern over SEPs was a big reason for the recent White House decision to overturn a USITC finding that Apple had violated Samsung’s patents.
As US Government Shutdown Continues, Effects On IP System Grow 09/10/2013 by Steven Seidenberg for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The US government shutdown is now in its second week, causing more and more of the country’s intellectual property regime to grind to a halt. The shutdown’s effects also are rippling overseas, hindering US efforts to negotiate two major international trade deals containing significant IP provisions.
US Lays Out Process For Public Input To Copyright Policy Reform 08/10/2013 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The United States Patent and Trademark Office has helped to outline the process for public comments and participation in the ongoing reform to the US copyright system. The focal point for discussion is a “green” paper issued in July, on which a hearing is scheduled this month.
Right To Science: More Publicly Funded Research, Less IP, Panellists Say 08/10/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) last week held a mandated seminar on the right of everyone to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications. In some cases, intellectual property rights may not be helping, according to speakers.
Industry Says IP Key In Technology Dissemination; Others Call For More African Innovation 07/10/2013 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A panel of industry representatives presented their views at the World Trade Organization on the diffusion of innovation, calling intellectual property rights key to the process. Meanwhile, another panel looked at innovation as a growth strategy for the global South.
Trade Secrets Important But Neglected, IP Experts Say At WTO 07/10/2013 by Alessandro Marongiu for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Academics and experts from international organisations met last week at the World Trade Organization to discuss the role of know-how in today’s global economy, stressing the relevance of trade secrets in global value chains and international transfer of technology.