New Rwanda IP Policy Taps Information For Development

"Information is the lifeblood of development," says the government of Rwanda in a recently-adopted intellectual property policy, part of the country’s comprehensive development strategy. The new policy attempts to integrate Rwanda into the international IP system while simultaneously safeguarding the freedom it needs to drive its own innovation system.

Public Gets A Taste Of WIPO, Policy Debate On IP And Environment

Dressed in casual weekend attire with white and blue “WIPO Staff” t-shirts, World Intellectual Property Organization personnel on 5 June gave explanations and guidance on intellectual property rights to the public, while a blimp-shaped balloon advertised the event outside the building. The WIPO lobby was turned into an intellectual property fair with stands displaying the range of WIPO’s services, and a much-appreciated wine tasting.

Possible WHO-Industry Conflict Of Interest On Pandemic Flu Under Investigation

Global health authorities have been guilty of "grave shortcomings" in transparency and accountability to the public good in their handling of the pandemic influenza outbreak says a new draft resolution from the intergovernmental Council of Europe. A related investigative report from the British Medical Journal found evidence of "declarable financial conflicts of interests" among the experts advising the World Health Organization. But WHO denies any wrongdoing.