Original news and analysis on international IP policy
In a new blog post, Michelle Wein, research analyst with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, criticises a series of decisions by the Canadian courts overturning certain patents based on a re-evaluation of the usefulness criterion that a patent must meet. She argues that this trend reduces the effectiveness of the international patent system, inhibits innovation and reduces the distribution of life-saving medications.
A collective civil society group has raised concerns about a draft Africa Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) plant variety protection law, which is based on the 1991 version of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). The draft law, which may come up for adoption in November, would criminalise farmers' rights and undermine the seed systems in Africa, they said.
The Motion Picture Association of America has provided a list to the US Trade Representative's office of the global websites and other sources the US film group says are the most copyright-infringing in the world.
This week the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) is holding the annual meeting of its governing body, and preparatory meetings leading up to it. A seminar also is being held on essentially derived varieties. Meanwhile, civil society is asking that all the meeting documents be held public while demonstrating that restricted documents can be obtained through national freedom of information rights.
A recent European Union regulation on customs enforcement of intellectual property rights has raised concerns among civil society actors who find that the regulation might not be an improvement over its previous version under which seizure of legal generic medicines in transit occurred a few years ago, leading to a World Trade Organization dispute.
Alongside last week’s meeting of the World Trade Organization intellectual property committee, the United States, European Union and Jamaica organised an event on the relevance of intellectual property in sports. Speakers from professional organisations such as the International Olympic Committee, the Association of European Professional Football Leagues, and the Nike company were invited to share their experience in the matter.
IP Law Summit
November 17-19, 2013| Grande Real Villa Itália| Cascais, Lisbon, Portugal
The IP Law Europe Summit is the premium forum bringing together leading in-house IP counsel with specialist international law firms, IP attorneys and legal services providers. As an invitation-only event taking place behind closed doors, the summit offers regional IP executives an intimate environment for a focused discussion of key new drivers shaping the IP industry.
Distinguished speakers include:
Tommi Lehtinen, Head of IPR, Product Differentiation Portfolio, Nokia Siemens Networks
Peter Schøtt Knudsen, VP, Global Head of Legal & IPR, ECCO
Cheree Johnson, Chief Innovation Counsel, HJ Heinz
Jean Luc Chalhoub, GC, New Business & Strategic Partnerships, Orange
Jan Strzebniok, VP & GC, EMEAI, Honeywell Aerospace
Vincent Pickering, CLO & Secretary, WABCO
Mark Lágler, GC, Supply Chain and Global Services, Unilever
Key issues for 2013 include:
Ahead of the Game – Keeping pace with the latest developments in patent legislation in the EU and US
Dynamic Exchange – Leveraging know-how and technology transfer to stimulate cost-efficient innovation
Positive-Sum Game – Informing the M&A strategy to unlock valuable transactions
Secrecy Status – Exploring trade secrets protection to keep expenditure under control and defend IP in fast-moving markets
A Taxing Issue – Orchestrating IP and R&D activities to reap the benefits of favourable tax regimes
Designing Value – Shielding design and packaging elements to boost brand recognition
Diversity Powerhouse – Mastering the art of orchestrating diversity to excel as a team
Social Media Palooza – Riding the digital wave while guarding your brand and reputation
To gain a view of the event brochure, click here: http://www.marcusevans-conferences-northamerican.com/IPLawEU_eaag_IPW
For speaking, sponsoring or attending, please contact Laurel Zevitz at +1 312-540-3000 ext 6683 or email l.zevitz@marcusevansch.com
Mutual understanding between the international trade community and internet stakeholders would be of great benefit to help adjust the multilateral trade regime to the rapidly changing landscape of the digital economy.
The US Chamber of Commerce's Global Intellectual Property Center organised a panel during the World Trade Organization Public Forum last week to explore what industry sees as challenges of trade in the digital age. Three panellists presented concerns - mainly counterfeiting - and solutions they have put in place to address such challenges.
A panel of industry representatives presented their views at the World Trade Organization on the diffusion of innovation, calling intellectual property rights key to the process. Meanwhile, another panel looked at innovation as a growth strategy for the global South.