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EU Study Recommends FRAND Clarification, More Coordination On 5G

The rapid development of information and communication technologies, and the need for greater interconnectivity driven by the Internet of Things has created a variety of standard-essential patent (SEP) owners and implementers with different business models, and for more diverse licensing practices, the European Commission Joint Research Centre says in a new study. This has made it harder to agree on an interpretation of FRAND licensing principles, something European policymakers must clarify in order to meet key digital single market and other goals, it says.

WEF Davos: Responsible Leadership, Fourth Industrial Revolution, Social Responsibility

Days away from the opening of the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, the founder of the forum described the main themes of the upcoming event, and underlined the role of social responsibility for business leaders.

Roundtable: ‘Appropriate Level’ Of Protection Is Key For Impact Of Patents In Health, Innovation

One of the key questions around the impact of patents on health and innovation is what is the appropriate level of protection for companies innovating, says Dr. Marie-Paul Kieny, assistant director-general, Health Systems and Innovation, at the World Health Organization.

IP World Enters New Year With Major Shift Of People In Pharma, Copyright

As a new year dawns, a lot of movement has been observed in the pharmaceutical industry with new key players taking the lead. Meanwhile, new delegates are covering IP issues in Geneva, and coordination of regional groups at the World Intellectual Property Organization makes its usual yearly shift for 2017. The copyright industry also saw major changes, and law offices have been busy hiring new partners.

2016 USTR List Of ‘Notorious’ Markets: Stream Ripping, Taobao And Switzerland

The United States Trade Representative’s office today released its annual “notorious markets” for intellectual property-infringing goods, with a list of 21 online and 12 physical markets worldwide. Many of the online sites are based across Europe, including several in Switzerland, but also in Russia and China as in the past. A big feature is China's Taobao, and new methods like stream ripping.

US Supreme Court Eyes Patent-Enforced Post-Sale Restrictions

Few were surprised when, earlier this month, the US Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal in Impression Products, Inc. v. Lexmark International. The case presents two important patent law issues, and the lower court’s ruling on these issues conflicts with Supreme Court precedents, according to many experts.

Podcast: ITIF’s Atkinson On Trade, Innovation, China In Trump’s Washington

A major shift is underway in Washington that is expected to have ramifications for global trade, innovation, and intellectual property enforcement, as Donald Trump steps into the United States presidency. IP-Watch caught up with Rob Atkinson, president of the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation to get his view on what's to come. Among the predictions: the Washington Consensus on trade gets turned on its head, enforcement will rise including at multilateral level, the US will have many new ideas but iPhones will not be made in the US, and a much-needed "reset" of the US policy on China will bring greater mutual respect - if done right.

Southeast Asian Countries Launch IP Cooperation Plan To Be Assisted By WIPO, EU

BANGKOK – Countries in Southeast Asia have launched a 10-year action plan to strengthen their intellectual property rights cooperation, with the European Union and the World Intellectual Property Organization providing financial and technical assistance in helping the countries to achieve their goals.

Patents And Health Debate Brings Key WIPO Committee To Standstill

After a day spent in informal meetings to try to agree on what should be the future work of the World Intellectual Property Organization patent law committee, delegates had to admit defeat. The main point of contention, according to sources, was the request by developing countries that the committee work on the issue of patents and access to medicines, and address the recommendations of the United Nations Secretary-General’s High Level Panel on Access to Medicines. This request was met by blunt refusal by some developed countries as beyond the realm of the work of the committee.