Original news and analysis on international IP policy
The 15th IP Law Summit, produced by Marcus Evans, is scheduled for 21-23 March in Colorado Springs, Colorado, US. Gathering corporate senior IP Counsel together with service providers, the Summit will offer a focused discussion of cutting-edge technology, strategy and products driving the IP marketplace.
Contributions of participants at a recent e-conference organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on new genetically modified organisms show that a considerable number of new GMOs are likely to be released in developing countries in the next five years.
Plant variety protection has raised concerns in Africa and in Latin America, and further developments are expected in 2013.
On the occasion of the 132nd session of the World Health Organization Executive Board last week, delegations welcomed the efforts made by the international community to eradicate poliomyelitis (polio), but saw room for improvement. As a way forward, they looked to the key role played by WHO partners.
An essential relationship exists among the conservation, development and use of genetic resources, sustainable agriculture and food security. There is an equally essential relationship between the conservation, development and use of genetic resources and small scale-farmers. The strength and effectiveness of any treaty addressing IP and genetic resources depends on the meaningful participation of small-scale farmers, and those that can represent them, as in the treaty deliberations continuing next week at WIPO, write Susan Bragdon and Lynn Finnegan.
The European Commission's claims of support for development cooperation contrast with budget cuts for aid, raising doubts about the EU’s real will and ability to address today’s overall challenges and push for inclusive and sustainable development, writes Daniele Dionisio.
Prof. Ryan Abbott analyzes the key components of the WHO proposal for a Global R&D Treaty and their potential impact on public health. The article proposes strategies to convert parties currently opposing the treaty, and argues that a stratified limited market-exclusivity regime has the capacity for a meaningful impact.
The World Health Organization Executive Board today approved a modified resolution on neglected tropical diseases – after removing a reference to a working group on R&D for neglected diseases as “irrelevant”. The Board also discussed and took note of a report on poor quality medical products in the supply chain, and agreed to set another meeting on the issue before the May World Health Assembly, as well as set up a separate group on behaviours that lead to this problem.
World Health Organization members on Friday held a tense discussion over legal and political aspects of a consensus reached by a small number of member states in November on implementing a plan to address the global lack of research and development for neglected diseases predominantly afflicting poor populations. The discussion may continue today, with the linkage of an agenda item on neglected tropical diseases and the report of an expert working group offering numerous ideas for addressing the problem.
The World Health Organization has not completed negotiations with companies on a formula for contribute toward the new WHO framework for pandemic influenza. But companies are paying to access the virus anyway. In its meeting this week, the WHO Executive Board has addressed a range of issues such as pandemic influenza, but so far it has delayed discussion on another contentious topic: substandard/counterfeit medical products.
Any employee who has been through a company reform knows that it can be an anxious and stressful period. The experience is no different for the 194 members of the World Health Organization representing their respective countries and the public health interests of their constituents. As the WHO Executive Board digs deep into the fundamental principles of organisational change, preserving the holy member-driven nature of the global public health authority has emerged as the most pressing priority.
UNITAID, the drug purchasing facility affiliated with the World Health Organization, sees "great promise" in emerging diagnostic products for HIV treatment monitoring and diagnosis in remote regions. Now it is looking for someone to verify the freedom to operate of these tools, ensuring they are not intellectual property-encumbered.