Panel Spells Out Key Intellectual Property Issues For Venture Capitalists
Intellectual property issues are becoming increasingly important to venture capital investment decisions, speakers said at a recent American Bar Association webinar.
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Original news and analysis on international IP policy
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New Project To Sequence Genes Of Amazon Biodiversity, Enforce Benefit Sharing, Announced At Davos
A new partnership announced at the World Economic Forum this week plans to sequence the genome of all biodiversity in the Amazon basin and make sure that benefits from the commercialisation of products derived from this mapping are fairly and equitably shared.
Three New Draft Proposals At WHO: Shortages, Snakebite, Assistive Technology
Three new draft proposals at the World Health Organization Executive Board this week underline the importance of access and affordability, whether it is vaccines and medicines, including antivenoms, or assistive technology. The draft resolutions call on member states as well as the WHO secretariat to urgently take action to facilitate access to products and technologies at affordable prices.
New WHO Director Calls On Board To Join In “Intensive” Period Of Change
All human beings should receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship, such is the definition of universal health coverage, a key point of discussion at the World Health Organization Executive Board meeting this week. New WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Dr Tedros) opened the event by presenting his vision for the future, and the collective work to accomplish necessary changes to the UN health agency. The European Union and United States warned against politicisation of the WHO.
US Working To Block UN High-Level Panel On Access To Medicines Ideas In Geneva And Capitals
The United States, possibly working with like-minded countries, is working to prevent the further spread among international organisations in Geneva of recommendations put forward by the 2016 United Nations High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines, considering them to be ideological driven and dangerous to economic growth. The comments were made by a US official speaking to a recent US industry event in Washington DC involving many of the US intellectual property attachès, at which two attachés from Geneva described latest developments and strategy for the coming year. A key message from attachès to industry: come to Geneva and engage, starting with this week’s Executive Board meeting at the World Health Organization.
Antimicrobial Resistance The “Scariest” Public Health Issue, Needs Financial R&D Incentives, Industry Says
On the eve of the annual January World Health Organization Executive Board meeting, an alliance of pharmaceutical industries launched its first report on efforts made to curb antimicrobial resistance. The alliance also organised a conference on the report and on challenges of antimicrobial resistance, in particular the need for research and development incentives so that the industry can continue its efforts sustainably. Some light was also shed on the need to support access to diagnostics, and lower their prices.
Over USD10 Billion Estimated To Implement 5-Year WHO Draft Programme Of Work
The World Health Organization released a financial estimate for its draft thirteenth general programme of work 2019-2023 on 15 January, after member states asked last autumn how that draft programme was to be financed.
EPO-EU Conference Examines Hot Topic Of Patentability Of Plants In Europe
The last couple of years have brought heated discussions in Europe on the patentability of plant innovations, leading to a recent amendment of patent application rules at the European Patent Office. Two major actors share this innovation landscape: the biotechnologists and the plant breeders, with similar but not identical needs for protecting their invention. A joint conference on innovation in the plant sector was held recently by the EPO and the Community Plant Variety Office.
Year Ahead: Copyright, Unified Patent Court Remain High On EU Priority List
Plans to update European Union copyright rules advanced in 2017 but remain contentious heading into the new year. The proposal for a directive on copyright in the digital single market is the subject of intense debate between the EU Presidency and the European Parliament, with no clear end in sight to the negotiations. Several issues, including a possible “ancillary right” for news publishers and a plan to force online platforms to filter all uploads to combat copyright infringement, remain unresolved.
Other copyright matters, such as a regulation on broadcasting and a review of the EU database directive, are in the works. On the patent side, a pressing question is whether – and when – the EU unified patent and patent court (UPC) might finally launch.
Several EU comprehensive trade agreements, which include provisions on intellectual property rights, are under negotiation.
Cases to watch in the European Court of Justice include a referral from the Netherlands on the issue of whether the taste of cheese can be copyrighted.
Guide To The WHO Executive Board: Access To Medicines, Noncommunicable Diseases, Non-State Actors
The World Health Organization Executive Board meets next week. On the agenda are recommendations of a review group on the WHO Global Strategy on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property, and WHO proposed actions to increase access to affordable and safe medicines and diagnosis. The Executive Board is also expected to consider a report on noncommunicable diseases, new possible organisations to enter into official relationships with WHO, and how to address the global burden of snakebites, including access to treatment.