New FAO Chief Accepts GMOs, Not Seed Monopolies
The newly elected head of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization today expressed tolerance for genetically modified crops but not for monopolies on seeds.
Intellectual Property Watch
Original news and analysis on international IP policy
WIPO Committee Sees Breakthrough On Audiovisual Treaty After 11-Year Delay
An international treaty on the protection of audiovisual performances might be back on track after a hiatus of over 10 years, as World Intellectual Property Organization delegates today reached an agreement on a text and will propose to the WIPO General Assembly to convene a high-level negotiation. A major step was also taken in the direction of a possible treaty on copyright limitations and exceptions for blind and visually impaired people, according to all sides, although some countries are still in favour of a softer instrument.
Special Report: A Quick Summary Of The New US Supreme Court Decisions On Patents
For the past ten years, the United States Supreme Court has steadily chipped away at patent rights. But this term, the court abruptly reversed direction. In two weeks, the high court issued rulings in three patent cases, and in every one upheld the legal rights of inventors. It is unclear, however, how big a win this really was for patent rights.
US Patent Reform Advances Furthest In Congress In 10 Years
The US House of Representatives this evening passed HR 1249 – the closest action patent reform has come to being enacted into law in the past 10 years. But there were some changes made to the bill.
Twelve More Nations, EU, Sign Nagoya Protocol
Twelve more countries and the European Union have signed the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing of genetic resources.
WIPO Members Advance Draft Texts On Copyright Exceptions, AV Protection
After a week of substantive discussions about potential international instruments on the protection of broadcasting and audiovisual rights, and on providing limitations and exceptions to copyright for visually impaired people, pressure is building at the World Intellectual Property Organization as the end of the negotiating session draws near.
Mexican Senate Urges Rejection Of ACTA
The Mexican Senate this week approved a resolution rejecting the secretly negotiated Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, citing absence of inclusion in the negotiations, potential negative impact on internet users' access to knowledge, freedom of expression and other concerns.
Patent Reform Debate: Live Updates From The US House Of Representatives
Intellectual Property Watch is providing play-by-play action from today’s floor debate of HR 1249, the bill to reform US patent law which is facing a fight. For IP-Watch Subscribers.
UNITAID Executive Secretary To Step Down
The head of Geneva-based UNITAID, an innovative drug purchasing system for the global poor, will leave the post this month.
EU’s Kroes Not Amused By ICANN Decision On New TLDs
By Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch European Commission Vice President and Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes is not satisfied with the decision of the ICANN Board in Singapore this week to open up the domain name space for new…