HIF in the European Parliament
Today there will be a presentation at the European Parliament on the Health Impact Fund. Below are a few earlier KEI blogs about the HIF.
April 2011 report on negotiations for a WIPO copyright treaty for persons who are blind or have other disabilities
KEI Research Note 2011:1
April 7, 2011
Background and update on negotiations for a WIPO copyright treaty for persons who are blind or have other disabilities
Introduction
US provides misleading answer to WIPO questionnaire on export of accessible works under US law
Although domestic law in the US provides for certain exceptions and limitations from infringement of copyright for the production of accessible works for the visually impaired, as well as importation and exportation of these materials, the law is ambiguous and insufficient in allowing non-profit entities or government agencies to export these works.
KEI presentation to the WHO Consultive Expert Working Group on R&D
Attached below are two PDF files that were used in my presentation today at the 1st meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO). I did not following the text that closely. The WHO is making a video of all of the presentations, which will be made available later. Continue Reading
Federal Circuit hears oral arguments on patent eligibility of DNA claims
On Monday, April 4, 2011, a panel of three Federal Circuit judges heard oral arguments about the patentability of the BRCA 1/2 gene claims in American Molecular Pathology, et. al, v. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, et. al.. The panel included Judge Lourie, Judge Bryson and Judge Moore. Gregory Castanias from Jones Day argued for Myriad’s position, defending the DNA claims while Chris Hansen of the ACLU argued against the patentability of the claims. The U.S. Continue Reading
MEPs Marietje Schaake and Christian Engstrom submit question on appointment of Maria Martin-Prat to EU copyright post
On April 1, 2011, Marietje SCHAAKE and Christian ENGSTRÖM submitted a parliamentary question on the appointment of Maria Martin-Part as the new head of unit for copy Continue Reading
Undermining the copyright exceptions for the blind
The WIPO “Stakeholder Platform,” an endeavor by rightholder organizations that came about in response to the proposal of the World Blind Union Treaty, seeks to engage in voluntary agreements and licensing deals to make works accessible to the visually impaired. Although the “Stakeholder Platform” appears to be a positive measure on its face, these voluntary agreements may actually impair, rather enhance, the ability of the blind to gain access to books and other works. Continue Reading
Maria Martin-Prat reported to replace Tilman Lueder as head of unit for copyright at European Commission
According to stories in the German and French press (links below), Tilman Lueder will be leaving his position as the head of union for copyright for the European Commission, for a new EC job in China. [The FT confirms Tilman is leaving, but suggests he will have a different assignment]. Tilman will reportedly be replaced by Maria Martin-Prat. Continue Reading
KEI to appeal USTR rejection of FOIA of Congressional Research Service (CRS) study of ACTA
USTR has rejected a KEI FOIA request for a Congressional Research Service study of ACTA that was done for Senate Ron Wyden. Senator Wyden shared the report with USTR. USTR acknowledges that it has possession of the document, but asserts it does not have control. Public Citizen has agreed to represent KEI in an appeal of the decision. Our administrative appeal was filed today.
March 23, 2011
FOIA Appeals Committee
Office of the Untied States Trade Representative
1724 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20508Re: Freedom of Information Act Appeal