Touré Re-Elected Head of ITU
Member states of the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) today re-elected Hamadoun Touré of Mali as ITU Secretary-General of ITU for a second four-year term.
Intellectual Property Watch
Original news and analysis on international IP policy
William New
US Seeks Comments on Internet Access and Copyright
The Internet Policy Task Force of the United States Commerce Department today issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeking comment from any interested stakeholders - including rights holders, internet service providers, and consumers - on the "protection of copyrighted works online and the relationship between copyright law and innovation in the internet economy."
An Eventful Week For IP Policymaking In The United States
The United States’ search for ways to spark its job growth has led to a focus on intellectual property rights, and this week several significant developments boiled over.
WIPO Assembly Considers Paths For Possible New Treaties
Member governments of the World Intellectual Property Organization this week set in motion negotiations that could lead to international treaties or other instruments on exceptions and limitations to copyright, the protection of traditional knowledge and folklore, and harmonisation of industrial design laws. Negotiations won’t be without difficulty, however.
Echoes Of Global Patent Wars At WIPO Annual General Assembly
Echoes of the struggles and advances in patent policy around the world were heard this week in the annual meeting of the member governments of the UN World Intellectual Property Organization. At stake is no less than the future of societies everywhere.
Ambassadors Meet Outside WTO To Discuss TRIPS Negotiations
More than a dozen ambassadors to the World Trade Organization met today at the New Zealand mission in Geneva to discuss the state of negotiations related to intellectual property rights and trade.
Online Social Media Strategy: Use Them Or Be Used By Them
A frontline debate among many industry intellectual property lawyers in the United States is how to handle the explosion in use of online social networking media tools like Facebook, Twitter or FourSquare.
US Companies, Officials Discuss Policies To Boost IP Value, Cut Costs
Private-sector experts and key government officials in the United States came together this week to discuss strategies for improving rules and procedures on intellectual property, and look for ways to maximise the value of company IP assets while cutting costs.
IP-Watch Chairs IP Law Summit
Intellectual Property Watch Editor William New this week is chairing an IP Law Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada (US), being held from 12-14 September. The event is addressing latest issues at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), prospects…
EU Launches Survey Of Countries’ Deficiency In IP Enforcement
The European Commission has launched its survey on intellectual property protection and enforcement in third countries. The survey is open until 31 October. Every two years the Commission conducts “a broad IPR enforcement survey,” that will serve, with other input,…
Brazil Copyright Reform Comment Period Ends With Push
There was significant activity at the close of the public comment period on Brazil’s proposed reform of its copyright law, according to blogger Volker Grassmuck, who has followed the reform effort closely. Grassmuck detailed a last minute rush in submissions…
Key Committee Debates Changes In WIPO Performance, Spending
The powerful World Intellectual Property Organization Program and Budget Committee is meeting this week for three days of discussions on a new strategic plan, the status of its audit function in the aftermath of past financial mismanagement, the financing of new projects related to the Development Agenda, and new policies on WIPO financial reserves, languages and investments.