Original news and analysis on international IP policy
Deciding on a mechanism to ensure the effective implementation of the World Intellectual Property Organization Development Agenda will be the biggest area of discussion at this week’s WIPO meeting on IP and development, sources have said. But discussion also will focus on specific implementation projects.
ALEXANDRIA - Dining on fresh fish beneath a golden sunset overlooking the Mediterranean beneath which lie the remains of the ancient Library of Alexandria, the conversation turns to the invention of written language. A light-hearted debate breaks out between an Egyptian and a Syrian over the origins of the first alphabet several thousand years ago, but is left for the time being when the Syrian asserts, “We invented the alphabet, you invented writing.”
Selon des sources ayant participé à la réunion du Comité consultatif sur l'application des droits de l’Organisation mondiale de la propriété intellectuelle (OMPI), qui s’est tenue du 2 au 4 novembre, l’implication proactive des pays en développement vis-à-vis du programme de travail sur l’application des droits de propriété intellectuelle s’est accentuée.
Los países en desarrollo han aumentado su participación proactiva en el programa de observancia de la Organización Mundial de la Propiedad Intelectual (OMPI), según los participantes de la reunión del Comité Asesor sobre Observancia, que se celebró del 2 al 4 de noviembre.
BARCELONE – Les négociations sur le climat se sont achevées le 6 novembre après une semaine de discussions. Malgré les assurances données par la plupart des délégations sur le fait que tout était possible lors de la Conférence de Copenhague sur le changement climatique qui aura lieu en décembre, l’incertitude demeure sur de nombreuses questions qui concernent notamment le financement, la réduction des émissions de gaz à effet de serre, le transfert de technologie et la nature de l’accord qui sera conclu à Copenhague.
BARCELONA – El 6 de noviembre culminaron las negociaciones sobre el cambio climático que se extendieron durante una semana, y, si bien la mayoría de las delegaciones aseguraron que todo es aún posible en la conferencia sobre cambio climático que se celebrará en diciembre, continúa habiendo incertidumbre en torno a numerosas cuestiones. Entre ellas se incluyen las finanzas, la reducción de emisiones, la transferencia de tecnologías y la naturaleza del acuerdo que se establecerá en Copenhague.
The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) has denied two farmers’ advocacy organisations observer status to its governing Council on grounds that they have not demonstrated expertise relevant to the intergovernmental body’s work, stirring concern that opposition groups are being denied participation. Meanwhile, the functional head of UPOV will step down this spring after a decade of leadership, with several candidates in the running for his replacement.
Martin Khor, executive director of the intergovernmental South Centre on critical issues facing the global South related to intellectual property - such as climate change, and the challenge of global IP infrastructure - and what the South Centre’s plans are to address them.
A struggle over the power and reach of the World Intellectual Property Organization Development Agenda may be looming as members of the UN agency begin to take control of implementation with differing views. Key developing countries say members must not only focus on specific projects but also on the broader agenda for change at WIPO. Developed countries want simple coordination with other committees without the heavy hand of fundamental change.
Protection of traditional knowledge under intellectual property rights may have a time limit, though determining duration of protection measures will be more difficult than it is with Western scientific innovation, World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Francis Gurry said yesterday.
Greater awareness of the existence of open access information resources for innovation and making the information easily accessible and relevant to developing country users could help spur innovation in these countries, according to top technical assistance providers and local innovators.
BANGKOK - Normal negotiation strategy is unlikely to result in an impact on climate change, since the most important stakeholders in fighting it - not yet born - have no seat at the negotiating tables, said a panel last week in Bangkok. An ethical approach is a better way to achieve results, speakers said, and an ethical take on intellectual property rights and alternative forms of innovation may have a place in new climate-friendly economic models.