WTO Special Session On GI Register Meets This Week
The World Trade Organization group discussing the mandated establishment of a register for wines and spirits geographical indications will meet this week to elect a new chair.
Intellectual Property Watch
Original news and analysis on international IP policy
Category Trademarks/Geographical Indications/Domains
Debate Heats Up Ahead Of EU Parliament Discussion On ACTA
Opposing opinions on the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) clashed anew ahead of next week's meetings of the European Parliament where the EU body may make critical decisions on the fate of the deal.
Global Business Stands Up For Multilateral Trade At WTO
The global business community this week re-committed its support to governments in multilateral trade negotiations in the hopes of overcoming the Doha Round stalemate. Business and trade experts from more than 20 countries gathered at the World Trade Organization for a first conference bringing private sector perspectives to international trade.
Council Of Europe Passes Internet Governance Strategy
In passing a comprehensive Internet Governance Strategy, the Council of Europe (CoE) today laid claim to a front runner position in the human rights dialogue for the internet.
WIPO Design Treaty Proposal Still On Horizon; Key Points Bared
Members of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) are working to stage a diplomatic conference on the adoption of a new industrial design treaty at the earliest opportunity. The treaty, at the minimum, could harmonise certain aspects in design law, an area in intellectual property marked by stark differences in national procedures.
More Foreigners Find Themselves Targets Of US Copyright Law
All the experts agree: US copyright law doesn’t apply outside US borders. But try telling that to Kim Dotcom, Aubrey Canning, or the growing number of other foreigners whose activities outside the United States have resulted in sanctions under US copyright law.
Take The Brussels University Survey On Beliefs About IP
The Free University of Brussels has set out to map predominant normative and causal beliefs regarding IP laws and policies. To give your input and participate in the survey, click on www.surveymonkey.com/s/IP_Community.
Ukraine WTO Trademark Dispute Vs. Australia Tests Public Health Measures
Ukraine yesterday filed a World Trade Organization dispute settlement case against Australia for its 2011 law requiring plain packaging on tobacco in an effort to address the severe public health problem related to its use. The case could represent an important measure of the power of trade interests versus public health decisions by governments.
Blocking Of Internet Traffic Common In Europe – EU Report
Operators and internet service providers in Europe resort mostly to blocking voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) and peer-to-peer traffics to guard the security of and prevent congestion on their networks, according to a preliminary report from the European Union telecommunications regulator, the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC).
US Aims To Boost Its Efforts Against Overseas Infringers
US President Barack Obama wants the country’s Justice Department to get by with a bit less money next fiscal year – but not when it comes to prosecuting overseas infringers of American IP rights.