Negotiations

June 2017 – WTO TRIPS Council – Statement of Brazil on IP and the Public Interest – Compulsory Licensing

Posted on by Thiru

As reported by Knowledge Ecology International (KEI), on 6 June 2017, the World Trade Organization (WTO), published a paper tabled by Brazil, China, Fiji, India, and South Africa, entitled “Intellectual Property and the Public Interest.” In their communication (IP/C/W/630), the proponents called for a series of discussions at the WTO TRIPS Council on Intellectual Property and the Public Interest. Continue Reading →

WTO TRIPS Council: Brazil, China, Fiji, India, and South Africa table agenda item on IP and the Public Interest

Posted on by Thiru

On 31 May 2017, the delegations of Brazil, China, Fiji, India, and South Africa tabled a paper to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) TRIPS Council entitled “Intellectual Property and the Public Interest.” In their communication (IP/C/W/630), the proponents called for a series of discussions at the WTO TRIPS Council on Intellectual Property and the Public Interest. Brazil, China, Fiji, India, and South Africa proposed compulsory licensing as the first theme of IP and the Public Interest discussions at the TRIPS Council meeting in June 2017.

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WHA70: Statement of Portugal on the Global shortage of, and access to medicines and vaccines

Posted on by Thiru

Portugal delivered the following statement at the 70th World Health Assembly on agenda item, 13.3 – Global shortage of, and access to medicines and vaccines.

PortugalWHA70.png

In relation to the Report of the United Nations High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines (UNHLP), the delegation of Portugal quoted the intervention delivered by the Portuguese Minister of Health, Professor Campos Fernandes at the plenary of the 70th World Health Assembly.

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WHA70 – Side Event on Addressing Access Barriers and Affordability Challenges for Cancer Drugs – 24 May 2017

Posted on by Thiru

On Wednesday, 24 May 2017, Knowledge Ecology International (KEI), Oxfam and Stichting Health Action International (HAI) are convening a side event on addressing access barriers and affordability challenges for cancer medicines. This panel will take place in Salle IX of the United Nations Palais des Nations from 18:00 to 19:30.

Date: Wednesday, 24 May 2017
Time: 18:00 to 19:30
Location: Salle IX, United Nations Palais des Nations

Panelists:

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SCCR 34 Discussions on Limitations and Exceptions for people with other disabilities

Posted on by Manon Ress

May 4, 2017 SCCR 34 Discussion on Limitations and Exceptions for people with other disabilities

If the final text of the Marrakesh Treaty had included Article 15(b) of the 1st version of the treaty negotiating text (SCCR/18/5) that would have clearly covered “other disabilities”, we would not have had the morning discussion.

Here is what had been drafted with the approval of an inclusive group of disabilities experts:

ARTICLE 15. DISABILITIES COVERED

(a) For the purposes of this Treaty, a ‘visually impaired’ person is:

a person who is blind; or
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SCCR 34 Chair’s proposal regarding the committee’s work on L&E and member states comments

Posted on by Manon Ress

SCCR 34 May 3. Chair’s proposal regarding the committee’s work on L&E and member states comments

In brief:

  • The Chair supports an update of the Crews Study
  • The Chair proposes a seminar or conference with multidisciplinary approach to L&Es in the digital environment (instead of separated “silos” such as are now L&Es for Libraries and Education

    • Continue Reading →

SCCR 34 NGOs on Limitations and Exceptions for libraries and archives

Posted on by Manon Ress

May 3, 2017 AM Session. SCCR 34 Limitations and Exceptions for libraries and archives

NGOs statements

IFLA presented its proposal for future work:

  • a draft model law
  • an updated searchable database of exceptions and limitations for libraries, archives and museums
  • a study on issues related to limitations and exceptions for libraries, archives and museums and a cross-border context including digital uses.

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SCCR 34 Update on Progress of Broadcasting, Cablecasting and Webcasting Treaty Progress (or lack thereof?)

Posted on by Manon Ress

5:55pm Plenary May 2, 2017 We were told there will be no time for NGOs to make statements.

The Chair started the Plenary at 5:55 pm or 5 minutes before the meeting was to clse for the day.

In brief:

  • No recommendation to the GA for a Diplomatic Conference in 2018 (not ready for prime time).
  • The Chair’s text is being replaced by a “committee Text”.
  • The EU is not happy.
  • The broadcasting treaty has stalled. Again.

Here is the transcript of what we can share:

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SCCR 34 May 2, 2017 Short update

Posted on by Manon Ress

Just like since yesterday afternoon, the WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights has convened in informal. Some members of delegations and NGOs are staying in the main room and are listening to the discussions but cannot participate nor report on anything that is being said.

It is frustrating of course but it looks as if it will be the “new process of negotiation” for the time being. As one person said to me “secret negotiations regarding broadcasting, cablecasting and webcasting at WIPO? what could go wrong?”

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