Category Features

Europe’s Outlook For 2011: EU Patent, Digital Content, Innovation And Free Trade

The Digital Agenda's hoped-for role as a key growth driver for Europe’s flagging economy has pushed intellectual property issues into a high-priority spot on the EU’s policy agenda for 2011. In an effort to boost job creation and innovation, the European Commission is looking to improve online content licensing, access and protection. And despite continuing opposition from several countries, the long-awaited European patent is finally moving forward. Debate is also heating up on new ways to encourage biomedical innovation, and on a proposed EU-India free trade pact.

Patent Reform, Piracy, Generic Drug Issues Likely For US Congress This Year

Although attempts to repeal last year’s healthcare reform bill and efforts to get the deficit under control may take up much of the United States Congress’ time this year, lawmakers are expected to tackle a number of intellectual property-related priorities lawmakers, including patent reform, internet neutrality, and enforcement during the new 112th session.

The 2011 Drug Patent ‘Cliff’ And The Evolution Of IP Valuation

In today’s global economy, there is an increasing convergence of intellectual property and finance. Wall Street is grappling with how to recognise the true value of a firm’s intellectual property. Companies are realising that simply accumulating patents does not necessarily increase their firms’ value, but it is how those patents are used that can attract capital. And drug companies facing massive numbers of upcoming patent expiries, a deflated economy and other market pressures, are looking to diversify their portfolios to stay in the black.

The Top Legal IP Issues In The United States In 2011

The year 2010 was a turbulent year for intellectual property law in the United States, and 2011 promises more of the same. The following are some of the top US IP developments to watch in the coming year.

Special Report: Music Industry’s Lavish Lobby Campaign For Digital Rights

The music industry has spent tens of millions of dollars to lobby government officials worldwide during the past decade, but whether or not the initiative has helped to shape a viable legal and commercial framework is a subject of debate.

IP & Traditional Cultural Expressions: An Unnatural Alliance?

Incorporating traditional cultural expressions into an intellectual property system will be an uphill battle, warned a panellist at a recent side event at the World Intellectual Property Organization. But, argued another, it could be one of the best ways for indigenous communities to benefit from their knowledge.

Top IP-Watch Stories Of 2010: Copyright Fights, ACTA, Medicines Access

At Intellectual Property Watch, a list of the top 25 posts of 2010 reveals your - our readers’ - top interests and tells the tale of the past year. It also is a reminder that quality reporting needs support. Please subscribe to IP-Watch via our website, or contact the director at wnew@ip-watch.ch.

Nations Closer To Pandemic Vaccine Framework, Key Negotiator Says

There could be some good news in 2011 for poor populations concerned about the impact of devastating pandemic diseases. Nations last week reached some breakthroughs behind closed doors in the sensitive international negotiations on finding a way to ensure all global citizens can obtain vaccines in the face of pandemics, according to a leading official in the talks. But some observers said problems remain in establishing clear rules for fair access and benefit-sharing of viruses and vaccines.

US Industrial Policies, R&D, And The WTO’s Definition Of Non-Actionable Subsidies

The US organizes a sophisticated industrial policy regime by exploiting an exception in the World Trade Organization agreement that allows governments to subsidize research and development carried out by private firms, writes Professor Fred Block.