US Trade Barriers Report Signals Work Ahead
The annual US list of barriers to trade in other countries was published today, with profiles of dozens of trading partners from very large to very small.
Intellectual Property Watch
Original news and analysis on international IP policy
Category Patents/Designs/Trade Secrets
Second Annual US IP Enforcement Report Shows Extensive Efforts At Home And Abroad
The second annual report of the Office of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) Victoria Espinel paints a picture of the United States' multifaceted and ever-expanding war on IP infringement, at home and abroad.
Book Details IP Rights And Development
Using on-the-ground research in Africa and the Netherlands, the authors of a recent book looked at the impact of intellectual property on agriculture and health in developing countries. The study made some surprise findings in relation to IP and development, such as IP-related obstacles to knowledge and technology transfer.
WHO / EU “Bad Medicine” Plans: Flaws, Coordination Gaps
The latest World Health Organization / European Union plans to counter the trade in counterfeit and substandard medicines aim to ensure that medicines in the developing world are safe. As such, though both plans appropriately address quality issues, they fall short of adequate coordination and collaboration with each other, and also present substantial flaws, Daniele Dionisio writes.
Novartis India Challenge Postponed To July
The Indian Supreme Court today postponed hearing the high-profile case involving Swiss pharmaceutical producer Novartis' challenge of India's patent law until July, according to sources.
European Parliament Rejects Referral Of ACTA To EU High Court
The Committee of International Trade of the European Parliament today voted against referring the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
US Supreme Court Reverses Myriad Decision Allowing Gene Patents
The United States Supreme Court yesterday threw out a high-profile case that had allowed a private company's patents on two human genes associated with cancer.
Global Fund Changes Continue As West Africa Team Leader Departs
The head of the West Africa region for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is the next in the line of departures under the organisation’s reforms. On the way out, he sent around a passionate farewell email calling for a dedication to values, and offering a small window on the wrenching transition taking place inside the international organisation.
UK Parliament Group Conducts Post-Hargreaves Inquiry Into IP Policy
The All-Party Parliamentary Intellectual Property Group in the United Kingdom is undertaking an inquiry into the government's role in intellectual property (IP) promotion and protection, less than a year after the publication of an independent and comprehensive review on the UK's IP system.
US Supreme Court Narrows Patentable Subject Matter
On 20 March, the US Supreme Court cut back on the types of inventions that can be patented in America. The court held in Mayo Collaborative Services v. Prometheus Labs., Inc. that one cannot patent an invention which merely applies known technology to natural phenomena.
French IP Industry Experts Discuss IP Portfolios, Trademarks Online
PARIS – Intellectual property assets and how they influence corporate value, plus trademarks in the digital world were discussed last week by intellectual property professionals gathered in Paris.
Brazil HIV Drug Patent Ruling Allows Generics, Sends Pipeline Process Into Doubt
Word is spreading of a recent decision by a Brazilian judge to annul a patent on a key AIDS drug, effectively allowing less expensive generic versions into the country, and calling into question other such patents.