WTO Plans Talks On Geographical Indications
World Trade Organization members are scheduled to meet this week to discuss a geographical indications register as part of the intensifying negotiations under the Doha Round.
Intellectual Property Watch
Original news and analysis on international IP policy
Year 2011
Patent Reform, Piracy, Generic Drug Issues Likely For US Congress This Year
Although attempts to repeal last year’s healthcare reform bill and efforts to get the deficit under control may take up much of the United States Congress’ time this year, lawmakers are expected to tackle a number of intellectual property-related priorities lawmakers, including patent reform, internet neutrality, and enforcement during the new 112th session.
EFF Examples Of Public Benefit Of Wikileaks
The Electronic Frontier Foundation has posted several examples of benefits to the public of disclosures of confidential documents by Wikileaks. Details here.
The 2011 Drug Patent ‘Cliff’ And The Evolution Of IP Valuation
In today’s global economy, there is an increasing convergence of intellectual property and finance. Wall Street is grappling with how to recognise the true value of a firm’s intellectual property. Companies are realising that simply accumulating patents does not necessarily increase their firms’ value, but it is how those patents are used that can attract capital. And drug companies facing massive numbers of upcoming patent expiries, a deflated economy and other market pressures, are looking to diversify their portfolios to stay in the black.
The Top Legal IP Issues In The United States In 2011
The year 2010 was a turbulent year for intellectual property law in the United States, and 2011 promises more of the same. The following are some of the top US IP developments to watch in the coming year.
Special Report: Music Industry’s Lavish Lobby Campaign For Digital Rights
The music industry has spent tens of millions of dollars to lobby government officials worldwide during the past decade, but whether or not the initiative has helped to shape a viable legal and commercial framework is a subject of debate.
Roche Exec Takes Over At Medicines For Malaria Venture
A top Swiss company executive on pandemic influenza and HIV/AIDS research took the reins of the Geneva-based Medicines for Malaria Venture this week, just weeks after MMV was given international organisation status by the Swiss government.
IP & Traditional Cultural Expressions: An Unnatural Alliance?
Incorporating traditional cultural expressions into an intellectual property system will be an uphill battle, warned a panellist at a recent side event at the World Intellectual Property Organization. But, argued another, it could be one of the best ways for indigenous communities to benefit from their knowledge.
IP-Watch In Podcast On Patent Trolls + IP And Development
Intellectual Property Watch Director and Editor-in-Chief William New recently participated in a podcast discussing IP and development, particularly at WIPO, and the latest on patent trolls around the world.
New Guide To TRIPS Health Provisions In FTAs
A new policy guide has been released that analyzes the public health effects of intellectual property rights provisions in bilateral trade agreements. The guide has a special focus on the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Patent On AIDS Medicine Denied In India; Seen Unlocking Market
A decision by the Indian Patent Office to reject a patent on an AIDS drug last week has drawn acclaim from civil society and Indian generic pharmaceutical industries. The decision was not based on a controversial article of Indian law aimed at preventing patent extensions but rather on the grounds of non-inventiveness. Abbott Laboratories, meanwhile, presented Intellectual Property Watch with justification for its Indian patent request.
Net Censorship Fears As Hungary Takes EU Presidency
An internet civil liberties group in Hungary has warned that the country's new media law gives the government censorship authority, threatening freedom of speech and independent journalism. The law took effect on 1 January - at the same time Hungary assumed the six-month presidency of the European Union, raising fears of EU level spread of such policies.