US Copyright Office Releases Priorities For Next Two Years
The US Copyright Office today issued its priorities and projects for the next two years, targeting studies, legislation, trade and foreign relations, and administrative law.
Intellectual Property Watch
Original news and analysis on international IP policy
William New
WIPO Re:Search Webpage Goes Live, Shows Sponsors
The webpage of the new Re:Search IP licensing database project at the World Intellectual Property Organization partnered with the BIO Ventures for Global Health foundation is now live, and shows a range of corporate, foundation and academic cosponsors lined up for tomorrow's launch.
Philippines IP Office: ‘Our Meeting Is Not Fostering Corporate Greed’
The Philippines Intellectual Property Office has issued a statement in response to criticism that an IP enforcement meeting it is hosting this week with numerous corporate representatives "does not favor big corporations."
US To Seek Bids To Manage Key Aspect Of The Internet
It is often said the internet was created in the United States, though techies around at the time are quick to point out the international efforts that were involved. Since its creation, US management of the internet domain name system has been internationalised through the creation and gradual independence of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). But the US has always kept its hand on one critical aspect of the internet - and is now putting it up for bid.
WIPO Defends Involvement In IP Enforcement Meeting In The Philippines
The World Intellectual Property Organization, a United Nations agency with nearly 200 member states, is under criticism for its connection with a Western industry-heavy event this week in the Philippines aimed at fighting intellectual property counterfeiting and piracy. The concern from technology industry and consumer advocates is that WIPO is involved in an overly one-sided event and did not sufficiently notify its diverse membership or the public of its activities.
WTO IP Committee Addresses Medicines Access, Plain-Packaged Tobacco, ACTA
The World Trade Organization committee responsible for intellectual property rights issues is meeting this week and will address several items of potential debate, including a nearly unused 2003 provision for compulsory-licensed medicines exports to poor countries, a WTO member’s attempt to discourage smoking through unlabelled tobacco packaging, and IP enforcement raised by a small but potent group of WTO members who negotiated the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA).
Palestinian Membership In UNESCO Could Raise Questions For US At WIPO
Members of the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) are preparing to vote to allow Palestine to become a member, according to sources. If this happens, it could create uncertainty about United States membership in UN agencies, including the World Intellectual Property Organization.
WIPO To Launch New Drug R&D Database For Neglected Disease Licences
The World Intellectual Property Organization, in conjunction with the World Health Organization, private sector and foundation partners, is preparing to launch a new voluntary database for the sharing of intellectual property for research and development on medicines, vaccines and diagnostics for neglected diseases, according to sources in Geneva.
WTO Trains Officials On TRIPS Flexibilities For Public Health
The World Trade Organization today concluded a four-day training session to help officials from developing countries better understand the flexibilities to intellectual property rights built into international trade rules on IP.
WIPO Members Embark On Busy Year Of IP Policymaking
World Intellectual Property Organization members this month approved a range of reports from WIPO negotiating committees and took note of changes within the UN agency. Now with the annual WIPO General Assemblies over, work has begun on a hefty policymaking work programme this autumn. Here’s a rundown of what’s coming.
Tech Industry Raises Concern Over Protect IP Act
Several US trade associations representing the high-tech and communications industries raised concerns this week about a bill in Congress that would boost the US government's ability to take down websites over fears of intellectual property infringement. The tech industry groups said the bill could have a negative impact on the economy and jobs, they said.
US IP Rights Holders Hail New FTAs With Colombia, Panama, Korea
Groups representing intellectual property rights holders in the United States are hailing the newly passed bilateral free trade agreements between the US and Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.