Original news and analysis on international IP policy
A committee representing the World Health Organization executive board today added more recommendations to a draft resolution based on a recent WHO intellectual property report, many of which were expressed by developing countries and Kenya in particular. Brazil also made…
A draft resolution from the World Health Organization based on a recent WHO report on intellectual property rights and public health calls for “a global plan of action,” particularly with regard to diseases that disproportionately affect developing countries. The resolution…
In preparation for the World Health Assembly in May, a group representing the World Health Organization (WHO) executive board will meet this week to discuss a recent WHO report on intellectual property rights and public health as well as a…
Por Martin Vaughan para Intellectual Property Watch WASHINGTON, DC – Activistas de la salud pública han condenado las condiciones acordadas recientemente por Colombia, Perú y países de Centroamérica en las negociaciones comerciales bilaterales con Estados Unidos. Estas condiciones obligan a…
[For the official biography of Michael Keplinger, please see IPW, May 5, 2006, WIPO] The United States government today confirmed it has put forward a senior Commerce Department official’s name for a top spot at the World Intellectual Property Organization.…
Officials holding consultations at the World Trade Organization today on whether geographical indication (GI) protection for wines and spirits should be extended to other products completed a list of questions on the issue, but made no progress on bridging differences.…
Government negotiators addressing the global harmonisation of patent systems today could not agree on a work programme for a key World Intellectual Property Organization committee, effectively stalling debate on the issue until the end of the year. “It is not…
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…
India today floated a suggestion for joint meetings of two key committees at the World Intellectual Property Organization in a move that could change the way patents are addressed. The proposal could elevate biodiversity issues of concern to developing countries…
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…
Discussions on an international regime on the sharing of benefits deriving from genetic resources at a recent United Nations conference in Brazil focused mainly on procedure, leading some sources to argue that developed countries tried to derail the process. The…
A much-anticipated World Health Organization (WHO) report by a special commission looking at the relationship between intellectual property rights and research and development into diseases disproportionately affecting developing countries, makes some 50 recommendations on how to improve the situation. The…