Intellectual Property
United Nations Pursues Global Governance of Light Bulbs
August 24, 2011
At a recent regional meeting, delegates from 26 Latin American and Caribbean governments signed a declaration supporting the "enlighten initiative," a global effort to convert to efficient lighting technologies funded by the UNEP and leading global lighting manufacturers.EU and India Agree to Restrictions on Stopping Shipments of Generic Pharmaceuticals
August 3, 2011
In a move that will suspend a World Trade Organization dispute brought by India last year, India and the European Union announced a written agreement yesterday that puts more conditions on EU customs authorities before they can stop shipments of generic pharmaceuticals passing through Europe.Broadband Commission Pushes for Government Control over Internet Access
June 21, 2011
A new report of the Broadband Commission for Digital Development advocates "a coordinated, nationwide approach to broadband development that more closely resembles the development of national railway or electrical networks than the more laissez-fair, market-driven approach that has generally characterized the roll-out of mobile cellular technology."European Commission Explains New Intellectual Property Rights Strategy
June 1, 2011
The new IPR Strategy sets out a series of short-and long-term key policy actions in the intellectual property field, including patents, trademarks, geographical indications, multi-territorial copyright licensing, digital libraries, counterfeiting, piracy, and customs.UNEP Chief Encourages Businesses to Share Benefits from Use of Genetic Resources
May 4, 2011
In recent remarks, the United Nations Development Programme's Helen Clark stressed the importance of the Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from Their Utilization, which "established a groundbreaking new standard for ensuring that local communities and developing countries benefit more equitably from the proceeds and use of biological resources."WIPO Chief Calls for Balance
March 30, 2011
In a recent speech, Francis Gurry, Director General, World Intellectual Property Organization ("WIPO") called for a policy balance encouraging innovation and ensuring the widespread enjoyment of the social benefit of innovation in the field of health."Asturias Pledge" Calls on WHO to Globally Govern Cancer Prevention
March 23, 2011
The Asturias Pledge adopted at a recent WHO conference calling to "establish a coordinated network of institutions at national and international level to support policy development and implementation of primary prevention measures for environmental- and occupational-related cancers."UN Agencies Encourage Developing Nations to Pursue Generic Medicines
March 23, 2011
In a recently-published policy brief, the World Health Organization, UN Development Programme, and UNAIDS encourage developing countries to use little-known exceptions in the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) to develop generic medicines.European Parliament Approves New Law Targeting Counterfeit Medicines
February 23, 2011
To prevent counterfeit medicines from entering the legal supply chain, on February 16, the European Parliament approved a new law, requiring approval by the Council of Ministers, that covers Internet sales, safety and traceability measures, and sanctions.Pharma Firms Call for Extension of TRIPS Deadline for Poor Countries
February 18, 2011
Intellectual Property Watch has reported that pharmaceutical companies are supporting an extension of the deadline for poor countries to comply with a global trade agreement on intellectual property rights (TRIPS Agreement) that would significantly raise their obligations to protect IP.A JOINT PROGRAM OF
