Knowledge Ecology International

On 27 January 2014, Greece, on behalf of the European Union, delivered this opening statement at the 20th session of WIPO Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP). The EU’s priorities for WIPO’s patent committee include quality of patents (including opposition systems), work sharing and confidentiality of communication between client and their patent advisors.

With respect to limitations and exceptions to patent rights, the EU said,

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This is the English translation of the intervention delivered by the South Centre on Thursday, 23 January 2014 at the 134th session of the World Health Organization’s Executive Board expressing solidarity with the Government of the Republic of South Africa following the Pharmagate exposé.

Thank you, Madam President, for giving us the floor.

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Three NGOs, Medicus Mundi International, HAI and MSF, each read statements during the EB discussions on the CEWG demonstration projects. The statements were limited to 300 words, and NGOs were required to provide the text 24 hours before the agenda item, and obtain WHO approval of the content. KEI worked with HAI on its statement, and the Peoples Health Movement worked with MMI on its statement. The text of the HAI and MMI statements follow:

Health Action International (HAI) statement to EB 134 On agenda item 9.3, follow up to CEWG on financing and coordination

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The following are some quotes by countries, companies, academics and other actors stating, suggesting or implying claiming that drugs not on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (WHO EML) should not be subject to a compulsory license.

Bayer. Political Principles.

http://www.bayer.com/en/innovation-requires-investment.aspx
Political Principles.
Innovation requires investment.
Good ideas must be worthwhile.

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On Thursday, 23 January 2014, Malebona Precious Matsoso (Director General of the South African National Department of Health) delivered the the following intervention at the 134th session of the World Health Organization’s Executive Board under agenda item 9.7 on Access to essential medicines in response to the recent Pharmagate imbroglio.

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On Thursday, 23 January 2014, the South Centre delivered the following statement at the 134th session of the World Health Organization’s Executive Board under agenda item 9.7, access to essential medicines, expressing solidarity with the Government of the Republic of South Africa following the Pharmagate exposé.

GRACIAS SENORA PRESIDENTA POR DARNOS LA PALABRA.

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Boseley, Sarah. 17 January 2014. “South African pharma firms accused of planning to delay patents law reform.” The Guardian. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/17/south-african-pharma-accused-delay-patents-law-reform

De Wet, Phillip. 17 January 2014. “Motsoaledi: Big pharma’s ‘satanic’ plot is genocide.” Mail & Guardian. http://mg.co.za/article/2014-01-16-motsoaledi-big-pharmas-satanic-plot-is-genocide/

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James K. Glassman. Merck said Glassman’s public relations firm was selected by PhRMA to lead a campaign to keep drug prices high in South Africa. The Health Minister in South Africa referred to the campaign proposal as a genocidal conspiracy of satanic magnitude.