Category IP-Watch Briefs

Intergovernmental South Centre Issues Statement On “US Attacks On Indian IP Policy”

The South Centre, the Geneva-based intergovernmental organisation of developing countries, yesterday issued a statement calling on World Trade Organization members to oppose United States pressure against developing countries, and India in particular, over their intellectual property laws.

Privatize, Don’t Internationalise, Internet Oversight, Academics Say

The Snowden revelations have spurred yet another discussion on how to internationalise or globalise the oversight over the management of core infrastructures of the internet, namely the so-called IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) functions. Why not let the private sector decide?

IP Rights Impact Practice Of Science, Global Justice, Author Says

Intellectual property has a strong effect on the practice of science, leading to a shift in research attention for the benefit of the rich, while impeding access to essential goods for the disadvantaged, according to a recent book.

US Congress Committee Issues Report On “Highly Invasive” FDA Surveillance Of Employees

The United States House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform today released a report detailing the US Food and Drug Administration's "highly-invasive" surveillance programme that monitored employees who contacted Congress and the media, according to a press release from the committee leaders. Surveillance was unauthorised and whistleblowers were not given sufficient protection, the report found.

US Calls On Brazil Internet Meeting To Stick To Principles

The United States, home to the organisation that oversees technical aspects of the internet domain name system, has advice for an upcoming meeting in Brazil aimed at revisiting the global internet governance: consider principles developed in past meetings, and don't retread old sore spots. In other words, don't disrupt the status quo.

Infojustice: Graphics Show Rise In US Pharma Exports To India, Patent Grants By India

Mike Palmedo at Infojustice.org writes: "The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is currently investigating “Indian industrial policies that discriminate against U.S. imports… and the effect those barriers have on the U.S. economy and U.S. jobs.” The investigation was requested by Sen. Hatch, Sen. Baucus, Rep. Camp, and Rep. Levin, and the final report is due to be released in November. Last week it held a series of hearings, where it heard from U.S. business, Indian business, and civil society representatives."

White House Announces Actions On Patents

The White House today announced measures that it said will advance its battle against "patent trolls", and urged Congress to pass patent reform legislation toward the effort. And the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a statement on its work in support of the executive actions.

European Parliament Key Vote On Net Neutrality Laws – 24 February

The European Parliament (EP) is scheduled to vote on 24 February on the draft Single Telecoms Package Regulation drafted by the Industry, Research and Energy Committee - on the future of neutral internet.