New MedsPaL Database: Enhancing Transparency In The Patent Field
A new database was launched this week to facilitate navigation through the patent field and increase transparency surrounding the patent status of medicines and licences.
Intellectual Property Watch
Original news and analysis on international IP policy
Alexandra Nightingale
Partial Revocation Of EPO Patent On Sofosbuvir, Key For Hepatitis C
Following a public hearing at its headquarters in Munich, the European Patent Office (EPO) decided to reject in part the arguments made by Gilead Sciences to uphold their patent on sofosbuvir, according to a non-profit group.
UNITAID-FIND Partnership To Scale Up Hepatitis C Diagnostics
Initiating a new partnership today, global health initiative UNITAID and the non-profit FIND began a project that will work towards the improvement, affordability and availability of diagnostics and treatments for the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
“We Are Here Today To Be Optimistic”: Stories And Advice From Women In IP
Under the banner of “inclusive trade,” last week’s World Trade Organization Public Forum hosted an array of sessions to discuss how a wider range of individuals and businesses can participate in the trading system. One prominent subject of discussion therein is how women can overcome the constraints and obstacles preventing them from accessing and obtaining the benefits of trade, and participate more fully in the field of intellectual property.
Panel At WTO Discusses Competition Policy And Why It Matters To Trade
Competition policy has evolved along with globalization and trade in past years. Now there are challenges such as the growth in international trade transactions and rapidly increasing cross-border mergers and antitrust cases. In parallel, the proliferation of competition policies and system has created potential of conflict of jurisdiction. Experts on competition and trade policies came together during the World Trade Organization Public Forum last week to discuss what the WTO can do and how better coordination between the competition policy and trade policy can be achieved to support growth and inclusiveness.
WEF On Competitiveness: Openness In Decline, Push In Innovation, Tech Needed
The world is seeing a decline in openness in economies, the World Economic Forum said in its new Global Competitiveness Report 2016 - 2017. But WEF sees an increased role for technology, innovation and business sophistication. And the most competitive nation in the world? Switzerland again.
Panel On The Right To Scientific Progress And Freedom For Scientific Research
Scientists, national and United Nations representatives, academia and civil society this week explored and elaborated on the right to enjoy scientific progress and the freedom which is indispensable for scientific research. The right was placed in the context of today’s global challenges and scientists presented the latest examples of their research, in which human rights related to freedom of scientific research could be applied. The panel set out promote systematic dialogue to foster an understanding of the right and of what is being advanced.
Shared Experiences Of Indigenous Peoples In The WIPO Negotiating Process
Members of indigenous communities this week shared their experiences in negotiating for their rights at the World Intellectual Property Organization and gave their advice on negotiations for potential treaties on genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore.
European Cooperation Against Counterfeits Online: Sporting Goods Industry Joins Team
The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) and the European Commission recently signed a memorandum of understanding that sets out to “establish a code of practice in the fight against the sale of counterfeit goods over the internet and to enhance collaboration between the signatories.”
Antimicrobial Resistance A ‘Global Societal Challenge And Threat’, WHO Official Says
Antimicrobial resistance had in the last decades emerged as a health issue, but only in the last couple of years has there been an understanding that we are facing a “global societal challenge and threat.” On a day-to-day basis, people worldwide are said to be driving resistance across human health and agriculture.
Changes In Music Listening: Survey Finds Streaming Improves; Stream Ripping The New Infringement
Industry research on music consumer behaviour has found changes in practices of accessing and listening to music. It has been found that, whilst paid audio streaming services grew, copyright infringement remains a significant problem. Next up? Stream ripping.
MSF Report Calls On Governments To Repair, Remodel Biomedical R&D
Governments are urged to do more to promote the development of desperately-needed new medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics at affordable prices and address the failures of research and development (R&D) in a new report by Médecins Sans Frontières.