Original news and analysis on international IP policy
By Kaitlin Mara The World Trade Organization on Monday released two reports on the state of play in negotiations on a register for geographical indications (GIs) – product names associated with places and characteristics – as well as the possible…
Note: the final decisions of convention on biological diversity governing body are available here.
A decision on a way forward on a global access and benefit-sharing regime was reached at a meeting of the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity from 19 to 30 May in Bonn.
The main body of the document describes steps needed to reach international consensus on the content of such a regime. Annex I of the document sets out a draft text for the international regime, and annex II contains terms of reference for expert technical and legal groups whose creation is mandated by the main text.
By Kaitlin Mara Government negotiators meeting in Bonn this week reached breakthroughs on two intellectual property-related areas of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). At the highest level of the CBD membership, agreement was struck on a way…
[Note: Monday midday update below] By William New Member governments of the World Health Organization will try this week to finalise a strategy and plan of action to stimulate innovation on diseases disproportionately affecting poor populations. The members also will…
By Catherine Saez Intellectual property rights came into play in a recent discussion on the right of all humans to take part in cultural life organised by the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR). The right…
By William New India and other proponents on Wednesday sought to counter concern raised by the World Trade Organization chief that a “clash” could occur if differences are not narrowed on a proposed amendment to WTO intellectual property rules for…
Note: The latest version of the draft strategy (dated Saturday, 3 May, 14.00h) is now available on the WHO website [click here]. By Kaitlin Mara and William New The World Health Organization (WHO) negotiations on public health, intellectual property and…
By Kaitlin Mara and William New Members of the World Health Organization (WHO) gathered this week to address innovation and intellectual property issues in public health saw hope for agreement on a strategy paper focused on the needs of developing…
By Kaitlin Mara Intellectual property rights issues on the table in the newly invigorated World Trade Organization negotiations are at risk if remaining deep differences cannot be further narrowed in the coming weeks, WTO Director General Pascal Lamy said Thursday.…
By Catherine Saez After an innovative partnership between a non-governmental group and a pharmaceutical company led to a new cheap non-patented drug against malaria being available in Africa in 2007, the model is being implemented again with another new non-patented…