New Deputy US Trademark Commissioner
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced the appointment of a new deputy commissioner for trademarks, with oversight of examination and processing of applications.
Intellectual Property Watch
Original news and analysis on international IP policy
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Time For A Positive Agenda, WIPO’s Gurry Tells Copyright Crowd
In remarks that have raised questions among libraries and the information technology industry, World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Francis last week told a copyright industry gathering that it is time to move away from a “negative” agenda of limitations and exceptions to copyright. It may also be a time for more private-sector involvement in international policymaking, he said.
New Director For CISAC
The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), which claims representation of 3 million creators and publishers, has named a new director general. Interestingly, he comes from a career in broadcasting.
Targets, TRIPS Flexibilities In UN HIV Meeting Declaration; Brazil’s Health Minister Hails Outcome
NEW YORK - The declaration from the United Nations High-Level Meeting on AIDS, which concluded today, set targets for responding to the disease and contained clear references to flexibilities to intellectual property law intended to assure needed medicines can be obtained affordably, according to Brazil's health minister.
WIPO Issues Call For Papers On Evaluation Of IP And Development
The 2007 World Intellectual Property Organization Development Agenda instituted an evaluation process at the UN agency, and now WIPO is seeking best practices for evaluating the impact of intellectual property rights on development. The WIPO Evaluation Section has issued a call for papers for a seminar to be held in October.
Outgoing US Commerce Chief Backs House Patent Reform Bill, Nearly
Outgoing United States Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today gave near-complete approval of legislation to reform US patent law which is awaiting action in the House of Representatives.
G8 Highlights Internet, IP Rights, Innovation, WIPO
Leaders of the Group of Eight industrialised countries today concluded their annual meeting, this year held in Deauville, France, with a communiqué bearing extensive discussion of the internet, intellectual property rights, and innovation - and a call for the World Intellectual Property Organization to step up work. In fact, it had a lot more to say about these issues than it did about the global economy or trade.
Recent Personnel Changes In Geneva
Recent weeks have seen several personnel changes at Geneva institutions working on international intellectual property rights and innovation, including at missions, international organisations and foundations.
WHO Set On Reform Path With Concerns; Pandemic Plan Agreed, Counterfeits Not
After ten days of discussions, country delegates closed the annual World Health Assembly today with the adoption of a set of decisions, one of which is a drastic programme of reforms that is intended to restore the World Health Organization’s central place in public health governance.
EU Commission Flexes Enforcement Muscles With New IPR Strategy
The European Commission today published a strategy intended to boost the economy by analysing and applying polish to European Union rules on intellectual property rights, including increased attention to enforcement with a crackdown on small shipments from internet purchases.
Official: WHO Budget Cuts Not Likely To Impact Work On Innovation, IP
Significant budget cuts being approved this week at the World Health Organization will not affect programmes related to intellectual property rights, innovation and public health, a WHO official has told Intellectual Property Watch. In fact, the WHO is intensifying its work in these areas.
WIPO Patent Law Committee: New Health Proposal, Tech Transfer Tensions
World Intellectual Property Organization members this week are engaged in substantive discussions on patent policy, including a first look at a developing country proposal on public health, a surprising debate over technology transfer, and details of a questionnaire on exceptions and limitations to patents. Also responses to first feedback on a new proposal on patent quality are expected to emerge shortly.