Category Innovation/ R&D

Formal IP System Does Not Fit Africa, LDCs Need Technological Capacity, Speakers Say

On the last day of the World Trade Organization Public Forum, a panel discussed the relationship between intellectual property and innovation in Africa, in particular in the informal sector. The formal IP system does not seems to fit, and least-developed countries need a sound technological base to be able to use the IP system. Separately, a European Patent Office study shows that Africa has a vast yet untapped potential in renewable energy.

US-India Cooperation Raises Hopes, Concerns

In this week's highly anticipated visit to the United States by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a number of joint statements have been issued, raising hope for greater cooperation between the two countries, and some concern about the same.

US Cracking Down On Software Patents

The US courts are aggressively applying the ruling. So is the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Thanks to their common interpretation of the US Supreme Court’s recent decision in Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank, it is now open season on software patents.

Health Advocates Demand U-Turn In EU Trade Policy To Align With Its Health Objectives

Health Action International Europe, and Oxfam today issued a briefing paper entitled, “Trading Away Access to Medicines: How the European trade agenda continues to undermine access to medicines.” The paper argues that new concerns such as the ebola virus and the threat of unchecked antimicrobial resistance show the need for a new model for financing pharmaceutical research and development.

Interview With KIPO Commissioner Kim Young-min

South Korea is now considered one of the most influential countries in the IP field. Intellectual Property Watch exchanged a set of questions for Kim Young-min, commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) since 2013, speaking about KIPO’s policies for increasing international cooperation, reducing first action pendency, and preventing “bad faith” trademark applicants in Korea from making unfair profits.

Numerous Side Events At WIPO General Assembly This Week

A number of side events have been scheduled during the annual General Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization this week. The range of events are organised by WIPO as well as governmental and non-governmental organisations working in areas such as public health, finance, copyright, geographical indications and innovation.