Issues Of Interest To IP Community Abound At WTO Ministerial
Despite the low-key role of intellectual property rights issues at this week’s World Trade Organization ministerial, there is plenty to think about for the IP community.
Intellectual Property Watch
Original news and analysis on international IP policy
Category Patents/Designs/Trade Secrets
WHO Expert Group To Recommend Binding R&D Treaty Negotiation
A World Health Organization expert group has narrowed proposals under consideration for ways to finance research and development for diseases predominately affecting poor populations. Among the remaining recommendations is that WHO members launch negotiations for a binding treaty.
Taiwan Looks To Join ACTA
Taiwan may become the first new country to join the ranks of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement.
Out Of A Dilemma: Banning The Non-Violation Clause Under TRIPS
The non-violation nullification of benefits is a clause that could be used if a WTO member deems that another member’s actions caused an unexpected loss of benefits, even if there is no violation of a WTO agreement. Developing countries are wary of this provision and the moratorium on its use under TRIPS is up for debate and probable renewal at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva this week, writes Daniele Dionisio.
WIPO Patent Committee Agrees To Continue Discussions On All Issues
The World Intellectual Property Organization patent law committee ended its meeting this week with status quo on all issues, after lively deliberations and new proposals but with all discussions left for further debate in 2012.
Patent Reform Has USPTO’s Trial And Appeal Board At The ‘Centre Of A Storm’
WASHINGTON, DC - Officials and workers at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) are working day and night, as well as weekends, to meet forthcoming deadlines outlined in the America Invents Act (AIA). And some legal experts warn that they are now experiencing the calm before the storm as those deadlines approach.
A Call At OHCHR For Policy Action On Right To Enjoy Benefits Of Scientific Progress
The right of people to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress, the subject of an article in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, has received little attention and needs new attention in UN agencies, according to panellists yesterday at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Human rights need to enter the arena in fora where scientific progress and its application are being discussed, they said in a public consultation on the ideas.
WIPO Patent Law Committee Sets Sights On “Balance” Among Member Interests
The World Intellectual Property Organization patent law committee this week is discussing a range of issues with a UN-style sensitivity to all levels of development and patent ownership. Issues on the agenda range from patent quality, public health, exceptions and limitations, client-attorney confidentiality, and technology transfer.
America Invents Act Forges Ahead; Concerns Remain About First-To-File, Other Provisions
WASHINGTON, DC - The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is charging full-steam ahead in implementing the American Invents Act (AIA), but some are warning that the trademark first-to-file provision and other elements may do more harm than good to the patent system.
Lines Of Global Enforcement Debate Surface At WIPO Meeting
Leading debates surrounding global efforts to stop counterfeiting and piracy of intellectual property rights-protected goods and services came into full view at the recent meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organization enforcement committee. In that debate, a long list of civil society groups has raised concern about WIPO enforcement activities.
Ways Forward Proposed For Tech Transfer & IP At Durban Climate Talks
As governments meet to look for ways to progress on halting global climate change, some are suggesting more discussion is needed on the sharing of the technologies that can fight that change, and a middle ground approach has been put forward to get them there.
Brussels IP Week: Key Debates, Opportunities In Global IP, Innovation
A four-day conference in Brussels next week involving numerous high-level decision-makers in intellectual property policy and practice will bring out the latest thinking on IP rights as a boost to innovation in Europe and around the world. There will be a special focus on open innovation, IP in industry, IP strategies, and IP in the largest emerging economies.