Category Venues

TTIP: No Lowering Of Standards, Officials Say; New Trade Consultation Body Scrutinised

After three rounds of negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), European Union Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht this week welcomed the progress so far. But negotiators have to “step up a gear,” de Gucht said after a two-day stocktaking meeting with the United States Trade Representative Michael Froman in Washington, DC on 18 February. Meanwhile, USTR announced new steps to raise public participation in trade negotiations.

Monika Ermert
February 20, 2014

Tobacco Packaging, Green Tech, University IP On Plate Of WTO IP Committee

Technology transfer for green technologies, and the compliance with international trade rules of plain packaging for tobacco products will once again be on the agenda of the World Trade Organization committee on intellectual property next week. A new agenda item on university technology partnerships is also expected to be discussed.

Catherine Saez
February 20, 2014
1 Comment

South African Traditional Knowledge Protection Bill Amends IP Laws

The much-debated Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill in South Africa, aimed at boosting protection for traditional knowledge, was signed by President Jacob Zuma without much fanfare and promotion. What happens now?

Linda Daniels
February 19, 2014
1 Comment

3D Printing Will Cost The World USD100 Billion, Says Study

A recent report predicts the loss of at least $100 billion per year in intellectual property globally by 2018 as a result of 3D printing.

Julia Fraser
February 19, 2014
1 Comment

European Parliament Key Vote On Net Neutrality Laws – 24 February

The European Parliament (EP) is scheduled to vote on 24 February on the draft Single Telecoms Package Regulation drafted by the Industry, Research and Energy Committee - on the future of neutral internet.

Julia Fraser
February 19, 2014

Infojustice.org: Australia Commits To Overhaul Of Copyright Act

From infojustice.org: [Australian Digital Alliance] It has been a big week for Australian Copyright. On Thursday the Attorney-General, the Hon George Brandis QC, tabled the long-anticipated final report from the Australian Law Reform Commission’s (ALRC) Copyright and the Digital Economy inquiry. This inquiry was charged with determining if copyright exceptions and limitations were working in the digital age. The conclusion was that reform was needed.

Intellectual Property Watch
February 18, 2014

Battles Over Patents: Is India Changing The Rules Of The Game?

Over the last couple of years, news of pharmaceutical patents and India’s attempts to protect and manage its market has caught the attention of intellectual property observers everywhere and the pharmaceutical industry in particular.

Paper Makes Recommendations For Exhaustion Of IP Rights

A recent paper issued by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) compares existing exhaustion policies and makes recommendations for countries in the process of adopting their own regimes in this area. These have the potential to contribute to economic and social development, innovation and the protection of user rights globally, it said.

Julia Fraser
February 17, 2014
1 Comment

Seminar Shows Continued Divergence Among Nations On Regulating Internet

It is generally considered that internet governance and cyber safety issues should be addressed in a multilateral way, but several points remain highly controversial, such as the adoption of rules and modifications of internet governance to be made. These issues were the subject of a panel at the UN Institute for Disarmament Research this week.

MaÃ«li Astruc
February 14, 2014
1 Comment

South Africa Promotion And Protection Of Investment Bill 2013 – A Review

On 1 November 2013, the South African Department of Trade and Industry published the draft "Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill" for comments. And two lawyers caution that if not careful, it could come in conflict with the country's international intellectual property obligations.

Biopharma Industries, Others Urge Caution In US Patent Reform

A coalition of large and small companies and organisation - including the leading trade associations for the US pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries - has asked the US Congress to use caution in rewriting patent laws so as not to cause unintended harm to their ability to innovate.

William New
February 12, 2014

WHO, IFRC Tap Swiss Federal Funds For New Buildings

The World Health Organization and International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent have received approval of the Swiss Federal Council to receive millions of Swiss francs in loans for the purpose of planning new buildings in Geneva.

William New
February 12, 2014