KEI intervention on definition of broadcasting

WIPO SCCR 31 is having a text based discussion of the language for a proposed broadcasting treaty. The meeting is open to NGOs, instant transcripts are streamed over the Internet, and the proceedings are webcast. I was allowed to make to technical interventions this afternoon on the definitions. This is a slightly edited version of my second intervention, on the question of whether or not to have separate definitions for broadcasting and cable casting.

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KEI’s Initial Comments on the MPP/BMS license to patents and know-how for daclatasvir (DCV)

KEI’s Initial Comments on the MPP/BMS license to patents and know-how for daclatasvir (DCV)

November 23, 2015

FYI: Contact: Andrew Goldman (andrew.goldman@keionline.org) or Zack Struver (zack.struver@keionline.org)

Knowledge Ecology International (KEI) notes the successful conclusion of negotiations between Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) for a royalty-free license and technology transfer agreement on daclatasvir (DCV), an important new medicine for the treatment of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), and offers comments on the agreement.

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My testimony this morning at the US ITC hearing on “Economic Impact of Trade Agreements”

Attached is a PDF file with my testimony this morning for the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) hearing on
“Economic Impact of Trade Agreements Implemented Under Trade Authorities Procedure”, 2016 Report. Inv. No.: 332­555 November 17, 2015

Manon Ress also provided testimony at this hearing, for the Union for Affordable Cancer Treatment (UACT). A copy of her testimony is available here.
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Joint NGO Statement on TRIPS Council Decision On Extension of the Transition Period Concerning Pharmaceutical Products

JOINT NGO STATEMENT
TRIPS Council Decision On Extension of the Transition Period Concerning Pharmaceutical Products

(PDF copy available here)

Today (6th November), the WTO-TRIPS Council adopted a decision granting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) an exemption from patents and test data protection for pharmaceutical products for a duration of 17 years.

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TPP has provision banning requirements to transfer of or access to source code of software

Updated. The TPP E-Commerce chapter has a provision banning requirements to transfer or provide access to software source code. This applies to “mass market software.”

Article 14.17: Source Code
1. No Party shall require the transfer of, or access to, source code of software owned by a person of another Party, as a condition for the import, distribution, sale or use of such software, or of products containing such software, in its territory.
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