Category Patents/Designs/Trade Secrets

WIPO Traditional Knowledge Committee Snags Over Future Work

Negotiators addressing proposals for the protection of traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions (folklore) and genetic resources ran aground over whether to address potentially legal text before completing work on objectives and principles. The committee will meet again on 4-12 December…

Disclosure Of Origin A Hot Topic In WIPO Patent Harmonisation Debate

Nations debating whether to harmonise national patent systems have turned their focus to developing country demands to include requirements that patent filers disclose the origin of genetic material and traditional knowledge. The debate is taking place in a 10-12 April…

WIPO Patent Committee Cautiously Opens Talks On New Work Programme

The member governments of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) cautiously opened discussion today on the future work programme of the committee responsible for harmonisation of patent laws. The issue is contentious as many WIPO developing country members have previously…