Category IP Policies

UN Human Rights Council Tackles IPRs, Benefits Of Scientific Progress

The United Nations Human Rights Council last week adopted a resolution promoting cultural rights and diversity, with a commitment to hold a seminar next year on the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications. The resolution includes continuing support for a special observer on the issue who recently submitted a report raising questions about the impact of intellectual property rights on the diffusion of knowledge.

William New
July 9, 2012
2 Comments

WIPO Committee Makes Last Run At Folklore Treaty Text Before Annual Assembly

The last session of the World Intellectual Property Organization committee on the protection of folklore before the annual General Assembly promises to be lively as the prospect of a potential treaty exacerbates stronghold positions. The treaty fervently supported by developing countries as a way to protect their cultural heritage and biodiversity has met a more cautious view from developed countries.

Novartis’ Indian Patent Law Challenge Postponed Again

The Supreme Court of India has postponed hearing final arguments in a key challenge to India's patent law brought by Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis.

William New
July 6, 2012

ITU To Hold High-Level Talks On “Innovation-Stifling, Rampant” Patent Litigation

The UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) today announced it will hold a high-level meeting on the global surge in standards-related patent litigation which it said is stifling innovation in information and communications technology.

William New
July 6, 2012

New UN Human Rights Council Resolution On Internet Rights

The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted a new resolution on the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the internet. The resolution ties such rights to development, and is said to be the first UN resolution to put online human rights on par with those offline.

William New
July 5, 2012
3 Comments

European Parliament Rejection Puts ACTA Future In Doubt

Today’s overwhelming defeat of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) by the European Parliament could have a resounding effect on the treaty’s prospects for survival, according to sources. Meanwhile, public interest groups are celebrating and copyright holders fuming.

William New, Monika Ermert and William New, Monika Ermert
July 4, 2012
20 Comments

US Proposes 3-Step Test For Copyright Exceptions In Trans-Pacific Trade Talks

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on 3 July announced the proposal of a new provision for a trade agreement that will put copyright exceptions and limitations to a 3-step test. The text of the provision was not made available to the public, and reaction to the news by public interest groups has been cautious.

William New
July 4, 2012
2 Comments

Switzerland Most Innovative Economy, Global Divide Persists, Says WIPO/INSEAD Index

The Global Innovation Index 2012 launched today by the World Intellectual Property Organization and INSEAD shows a clear innovation divide in world economies. It advises countries to maintain their efforts to support and foster innovation despite the lingering economic crisis, as a key element of sustainable growth.

Catherine Saez
July 3, 2012

EU Trade Commissioner Makes Last Appeal For Delay Of ACTA Vote

EU Trade Commissioner Karl De Gucht today made a last appeal to the European Parliament today to delay the decision on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) in order to allow the European Court of Justice to give its opinion. But he met with strong indications that a rejection of the controversial agreement may be coming tomorrow.

ICANN Says Internet Multi-Stakeholder Model Is Its Responsibility

PRAGUE, Czech Republic - The multi-stakeholder model of internet governance is the responsibility of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), Fadi Chehadé, designated new CEO of ICANN said at the 44th meeting of the private body in Prague last week.

Monika Ermert
July 3, 2012

US Awards Contract For Key Internet Function To ICANN

The United States government on 2 July announced it has awarded a contract to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to manage a key underlying function of the internet for up to 7 years.

William New
July 3, 2012

Nagoya Protocol Access & Benefit-Sharing Meeting Kicks Off In New Delhi

A key committee of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing treaty aimed at ensuring fair sharing of the benefits of genetic resources is meeting this week in New Delhi.

William New
July 3, 2012