Outgoing US Commerce Chief Backs House Patent Reform Bill, Nearly
Outgoing United States Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today gave near-complete approval of legislation to reform US patent law which is awaiting action in the House of Representatives.
Intellectual Property Watch
Original news and analysis on international IP policy
William New
G8 Highlights Internet, IP Rights, Innovation, WIPO
Leaders of the Group of Eight industrialised countries today concluded their annual meeting, this year held in Deauville, France, with a communiqué bearing extensive discussion of the internet, intellectual property rights, and innovation - and a call for the World Intellectual Property Organization to step up work. In fact, it had a lot more to say about these issues than it did about the global economy or trade.
New “Final” ACTA Text Published, Open For Signature
A new "final" text of the secretive but potent Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) has been published by the European Commission, according to the Foundation for Free Information Infrastructure (FFII).
Recent Personnel Changes In Geneva
Recent weeks have seen several personnel changes at Geneva institutions working on international intellectual property rights and innovation, including at missions, international organisations and foundations.
EU Commission Flexes Enforcement Muscles With New IPR Strategy
The European Commission today published a strategy intended to boost the economy by analysing and applying polish to European Union rules on intellectual property rights, including increased attention to enforcement with a crackdown on small shipments from internet purchases.
US Promotes Multilateral System Of Internet Governance In Geneva
Betty King, United States Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, has declared US support for a multilateral system of internet governance and an open internet.
Official: WHO Budget Cuts Not Likely To Impact Work On Innovation, IP
Significant budget cuts being approved this week at the World Health Organization will not affect programmes related to intellectual property rights, innovation and public health, a WHO official has told Intellectual Property Watch. In fact, the WHO is intensifying its work in these areas.
WIPO Patent Law Committee: New Health Proposal, Tech Transfer Tensions
World Intellectual Property Organization members this week are engaged in substantive discussions on patent policy, including a first look at a developing country proposal on public health, a surprising debate over technology transfer, and details of a questionnaire on exceptions and limitations to patents. Also responses to first feedback on a new proposal on patent quality are expected to emerge shortly.
US ITC Report On China Piracy Shows Billions In Losses: Senators Demand Action
China's violations of United States intellectual property rights costs the US tens of billions of dollars in economic activity and millions of jobs, according to a report released today from the US International Trade Commission.
Much-Anticipated UK Review Of IP Issued
A much-anticipated review of intellectual property and growth by United Kingdom Prof. Ian Hargreaves was issued today.
Bill Gates Calls For “Vaccine Decade;” Explains How Patent System Drives Public Health Aid
Microsoft legend Bill Gates is impassioned about helping to save lives as head of a large-scale foundation. Today, he explained to Intellectual Property Watch how intellectual property rights help drive that process forward and make it sustainable.
WIPO Members Discuss Patent Quality, Public Health, Exceptions
World Intellectual Property Organization members this week are discussing potential new policies on patent law related to patent quality, patents and health, and exceptions and limitations to patents.