Year 2011

WIPO Audit/Evaluation Process Comes Of Age, With A Development Side

Evaluation and auditing of the World Intellectual Property Organization gained increased interest a few years ago when rich member countries responsible for most of its revenues became alarmed about questions of financial and human resources management. But now the UN agency’s sometimes bumpy evaluation process is maturing, including a development aspect, and has a new external report on its global technical assistance programmes.

Russian WTO Accession Will Bring Powerhouse Under TRIPS Immediately

The World Trade Organization today announced that Russia and the WTO working party for its accession have come to agreement. The Russian Federation began negotiating to join the World Trade Organization before the WTO’s landmark agreement on intellectual property rights entered into force. Now, Russia will become party to the agreement upon joining the WTO.

CBO: Generics Bill Would Save US $4.8 Billion

The US Congressional Budget Office has estimated that a current bill to prevent brand-name pharmaceutical companies from paying generic producers to delay the release of generic drugs into the market could save the US budget some $4.8 billion over 10…

The Mad Hatter In Wonderland: South Africa’s New TK Bill

So, the Department of Trade and Industry (“DTI”) has finally gone ahead and done it. It has caused the South African Government to pass the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill (the so-called “Traditional Knowledge Bill”) despite vociferous objections from all quarters. It has rushed headlong into terrain where no angel would venture through acute trepidation. It has entered Wonderland and assumed the role of the Mad Hatter, writes Professor Owen Dean.

In Egypt, Director Of Famed Library Of Alexandria Under Fire

The director of the legendary Library of Alexandria, lauded in Europe in recent weeks, has come under attack from the majority of his library staff and others demanding his departure over questions of unprofessional employee practices, alleged retaliation against workers for speaking freely, and for his affiliation with the outcast Mubarak regime.

WHO Board Backs Reform Plan For UN Agency

The UN World Health Organization Executive Board today approved a set of proposals for reform put forward by WHO Director General Margaret Chan and member states, authorising her to take immediate action. The WHO is undergoing a major reform process fueled by a funding shortage and changes in the global public health structure.