Former Senator To Head Motion Picture Association
The Motion Picture Association of America, the influential US film industry group, has landed a highly regarded former US senator as its next chairman and chief executive officer.
Intellectual Property Watch
Original news and analysis on international IP policy
Public Input Sought In Review Of WIPO Technical Assistance
Public input is being sought this week for an external review of technical assistance provided by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). For years, questions have been raised over the fairness and appropriateness of the guidance and training provided to developing countries by WIPO provides, the UN agency whose aim is to promote protection of IP rights.
Group Discussion Deepens Over WHO Role In Stopping Poor Quality Medicines
The role of the World Health Organization in the safety, quality and efficacy of medical products is under scrutiny this week by member states and stakeholders. In particular, the focus is on the WHO’s role in the prevention and control of medical products of compromised quality, the organisation’s relationship with the international taskforce against counterfeit products, and the taskforce’s alleged focus on the protection of intellectual property rights rather than on public health issues. In several documents, the WHO tries to explain this fragile role.
Debate Rises Over Elevating Profile Of Genetic Resources At WIPO
Experts discussing the protection of genetic resources at the World Intellectual Property Organization this week are struggling to stay within their technical mandate as the issues carry significant political impact. Discussions today resulted in a marked-up text on objectives and principles of a possible international instrument that reveals key differences among members on the role of IP, and of WIPO, in genetic resources.
Are The Stars Aligned For US Patent Reform This Year?
In a week in which the United States Congress is fighting to avoid a government shutdown over budget disagreements and political posturing is high, technocrats and friends of innovative businesses are working to get passage of a bill to reform US patent law.
Tech Industry Unhappy With US Patent Reform Bill
The high technology remains unconvinced by efforts in the United States Senate to reform US patent laws, a Washington tech industry association said today, as debate on the bill began on the Senate floor.
Long Week Ahead For WIPO Experts Considering Treaty On IP And Genetic Resources
Having successfully advanced discussions toward treaties on the protection of folklore and traditional knowledge, country experts this week are meeting at the World Intellectual Property Organization to discuss the protection of genetic resources. But this time, it might prove trickier.
WHO Members To Work To Disentangle Problem Of Fake Medicines, IP Issues
A designated working group will meet for the first time this week to discuss the World Health Organization’s role in the safety, quality and efficacy of medical products, but some countries are concerned about what they consider to be the unwelcome intrusion of intellectual property rights issues into the debate.
After Folklore, Traditional Knowledge Makes Steps Toward WIPO Treaty Text
After a week of technical discussions to elaborate a draft text designed to help the World Intellectual Property Organization member states reach a treaty text on the protection of traditional knowledge, experts provided a set of draft articles, comments and proposed amendments.
Building A Consensus To Address The Health Threat Posed By Fake Medicines
On the eve of a meeting of the WHO working group on substandard/spurious/falsely-labelled/falsified/counterfeit medical products, research-based pharmaceutical industry group IFPMA sets out thoughts on building global consensus to address fake medicines.