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A Look At Who’s Who In Geneva IP Policymaking And Beyond

Doesn’t it always seem like as soon as you know who covers what at the permanent missions in Geneva, terms end, new assignments begin and you’re left exchanging business cards again? Well, we have it sorted with a substantial (but non-exhaustive) list of delegates responsible for IP issues this year in the world’s centre of diplomacy. Additionally, you’ll find the latest IP people news across national and regional governments, nonprofit organisations, and the private sector.

US And UN Consider New Limits On Patent Wars

The patent wars have produced many casualties around the world. Companies that make and sell smartphones and tablet computers, courts, consumers and the economy - all have suffered, according to many experts.

“I couldn’t come up with a worse system” for handling patent disputes, said Erich Spangenberg, chairman of IP Navigation Group, a consultancy. But significant reforms may be on the way, thanks to the US government and a United Nations agency.

Hope To Advance Industrial Design Treaty At WIPO Meets Reluctance From Developing Countries

World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Francis Gurry set the tone at the 18 September opening of a WIPO committee on industrial designs, calling on countries to keep the treaty-signing momentum built up last June with the adoption of the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances. However, developing countries have been reluctant to engage in an international treaty on industrial designs and this week delegates will have to agree on how to pursue discussions on the subject.

America Invents Act: Another Piece Of Patent Reform Puzzle Falls Into Place

Another phase of historic patent reform goes into effect next week in the United States, as officials from the US Patent and Trademark Office tour the country, answering questions from stakeholders about forthcoming changes in patent law, thanks to the America Invents Act (AIA). The next batch of rules the USPTO is implementing for the AIA go into effect 16 September.

IFPMA Report, Panel, Examine Rise Of Industry Global Health Partnerships

A new report commissioned by international pharmaceutical industry released yesterday offers findings and recommendations based on study of 200 global health partnerships aimed at low- and middle-income countries. The report was released at a panel discussion of a range of health experts who highlighted work to date and upcoming needs in the area of global health partnerships.

Innovation And The Law: Some Lessons From The Patent Wars

They’ve been at each other’s throats for three years, and there’s no end in sight. Over two dozen businesses involved with smartphones and tablet computers are suing one another for patent infringement in numerous lawsuits around the world. These patent wars have cost the companies billions of dollars, clogged the courts, and prevented consumers from buying some devices they want with features they prefer. Is this really the best way to promote innovation and competition?

Interview: Director Francis Gurry On Vision, Priorities For WIPO

In the midst of negotiations in the World Intellectual Property Organization copyright committee, Intellectual Property Watch caught up with WIPO Director General Francis Gurry on 20 July to discuss his vision and priorities for the organisation. Gurry, who took office in 2008 for a six-year term, spoke about rulemaking negotiations, popular IP infrastructure programmes, the coming explosion in trademark law, and calculating the organisation’s development expenditures.

WIPO Copyright Committee Negotiating Texts Available

The World Intellectual Property Organization Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) is meeting intensively to try to resolve differences on a variety of instruments, from visually impaired readers, to broadcasting, to educational and research institutions. Intellectual Property Watch has the latest texts.

Industry Groups Press For EU, US Action On Trade Secret Protection

Theft of trade secrets, or “confidential business information,” has reached such an appalling level that legislative action is needed, industry groups say. They're pushing the European Union and United States to get involved, and may be making headway.