EPO New Policy Brief On Climate Technologies
The European Patent Office today released a new policy brief on climate change mitigation technologies, with a focus on renewable energy technologies, which are on the rise.
Intellectual Property Watch
Original news and analysis on international IP policy
Category IP-Watch Briefs
Medicines Patent Pool Nets WHO’s Kieny As New Chair
Marie-Paule Kieny, fresh out of the World Health Organization, where she held the position of assistant director general for Health Systems and Innovation, will be the new chair of the Medicines Patent Pool, as of 1 September.
EPO Will Not Allow Patents On Plants, Animals From Biological Processes
The European Patent Office today issued a clarification about the patenting of plant and animal products, putting it in line with a European Commission clarification that such products obtained through a biological breeding process should not be patentable.
WIPO Hosts Event To Boost Entrepreneurship, Investment In Safe Water Technology
An unusual meeting is taking place at the World Intellectual Property Organization this week, bringing together entrepreneurs in water and sanitation technology and business models with prospective investors, including clean-tech venture capitalists, private equity and corporate investors.
Top 5 IP Offices Advance Patent Harmonisation
Celebrating their tenth anniversary of working together, the intellectual property offices of Europe, Japan, Korea, China and the United States today concluded a meeting of the so-called IP5 by announcing efforts to further harmonise their patent practices. This includes measures affecting global instruments like the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
WTO Annual Report Highlights TRIPS Amendment
“A moment of real historic significance for the World Trade Organization” was the entry into force of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) together with the amendment to Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo said this week.
More Than 60 Groups, Companies Urge EU To Step Up Copyright Reform
A range of civil society groups and companies today urged the European Union to embrace a more ambitious agenda for reform of the Union's copyright law.
WHO Launches Public Consultation On Blueprint Material Transfer Agreement
The World Health Organization has launched a public consultation on the Draft Research and Development Blueprint Material Transfer Agreement tool text.
EU Parliament Approves Cross-Border Online Paid Content
The European Parliament today adopted the Portability Regulation by a margin of 586 to 34 votes with 6 abstentions. The new EU regulation will allow the cross-border use of online paid content which so far was hampered by geoblocking. Users now can access their Netflix, Sky Go or similar subscription services when roaming in the EU. But the regulation will not really end geoblocking, warned the minority opposed to the regulation, as Pirate Party Member Julia Reda.
US Renegotiation Of NAFTA To Include IP Rights, Digital Trade
Newly confirmed United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer issued a letter to Congress today stating that he will lead a renegotiation of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico. And the changes will include new provisions on intellectual property rights and digital trade.
Major Research Funders, Institutions Pledge Transparency In Clinical Trials
More transparency on clinical trials is expected after major research funders, research institutions, and international health groups agreed that the research they fund or support will publicly release results of clinical trials.
New Industry Alliance Aimed At Antimicrobial Resistance
Pharmaceutical industry representatives today announced a new alliance to fight antimicrobial resistance. The announcement came during a meeting of the private sector of the most advanced countries.