Category Patents/Designs/Trade Secrets

WHO Board Debates Framework On Engagement With Non-State Actors

The World Health Organization routinely works with a number of outside actors, such as non-governmental groups, philanthropic organisations, industry and academics. Member states have been trying to establish a framework to regulate such engagement and are still working to produce a consensus document. This week they are trying to extend the mandate of an intergovernmental meeting in the hope that an ultimate meeting in April can solve remaining issues.

FAO Head Says Livestock Diversity Is Crucial For Future Food Security On A Harsher Planet

FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva writes: Our livestock is increasingly being raised indoors and fed on concentrate feed that is often imported. Intensive production of chickens, pigs and dairy cows is based on a few breeds worldwide. These developments are risky, as we and future generations are losing the potential to adapt livestock production systems to increasingly harsh conditions such as those associated with higher temperatures and shortages of nutritious feeds.

WHO To Study Effect Of Nagoya Protocol On Sharing Of Genetic Materials

The implementation of a protocol ensuring access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable benefit-sharing of commercial benefits might affect the sharing of pathogens samples between countries, said the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, who asked the World Health Organization to study possible implications of the protocol’s implementation.

UK IP Office Unveils 5-Year Strategy to Make Businesses More IP-Aware

The United Kingdom has a vibrant creative sector but many businesses don't take full advantage of their intellectual property, IP Minister Baroness (Lucy) Neville-Rolfe said in her introduction to an Intellectual Property Office five-year strategy report released today. IPO research shows that over 90 percent of firms haven't valued their IP, and small to mid-sized companies often don't understand or know how to protect it, she said. Even a modest boost in those figures could have a significant impact on the UK economy, she said.

WHO Board To Address Reform Progress, R&D Financing, Lobbyists/ Foundations

Next week, the World Health Organization Executive Board will hold its biannual meeting. On the agenda are key subjects such as the WHO reform process, sharing of influenza viruses for R&D, and a controversial framework for the WHO’s engagement with actors such as non-governmental organisations, private entities, and foundations. Also on the agenda is the effort to address the growing microbial resistance to antibiotics, and finding a way to finance research and development for diseases affecting primarily developing countries.

Copyright, Unitary Patent System Lead EU IP Priorities In 2016

Modernisation of EU copyright and intellectual property rights enforcement law tops Europe's agenda in 2016. Trademark reform legislation approved last year takes effect this year, and a preliminary deal on trade secrets protection is expected to be finalised. Work on the unitary patent system continues, and there's an increased focus on the issue of patents versus plant breeders' rights.

WIPO Training In Africa: Brand SMEs’ Products To Exploit Innovation And Commercialization

KAMPALA, Uganda - Small and medium enterprises in Uganda should brand their products with geographical indications and collective marks to gain competitive advantage. This was one of the messages during a recent World Intellectual Property Organization event entitled, Advanced Training of Trainers Program on Effective Intellectual Property Asset Management by Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, (SMEs). The training took place in Kampala, Uganda on 8-10 December.

Obama Calls For TPP Approval On Eve Of ITC Hearing

On the eve of a three-day mega hearing on the impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) starting today at the US International Trade Commission, President Barack Obama called on Congress to approve the trade deal. In his final annual State of the Union Address last night, the TPP got only a minor mention.