The TRIPS and WTO Negotiations: Stakes for Africa
This paper discusses the current negotiation issues in the context of the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the position the African Group has taken in these negotiations. (more…)
Avoid patent clauses in trade treaties that can kill millions
By Martin Khor
A recent article in a prestigious journal reminds us of how the intellectual property chapter of free trade agreements can prevent the sick from getting treatment. This article also critiques the TPP clauses and warns that they should not be translated to national laws or copied into other FTAs being negotiated. (more…)
Mitigating the Regulatory Constraints Imposed by Intellectual Property Rules under Free Trade Agreements
IP provisions in FTAs may have implications on a wide range of public policy areas. A vast academic literature has addressed the “flexibilities” available under the TRIPS Agreement and the negative impact of FTAs in relation to access to medicines. (more…)
Title: Briefing for Developing Countries on Global Trends and Linkages to Geneva Multilateral
Processes
Date: Monday, 13 February 2017, 9:30-13:00
Venue: Room XXIV, Palais des Nations
Organizer: The South Centre
The IP Negotiations Monitor summarizes the latest developments in multilateral and regional fora where intellectual property negotiations are taking place, and informs on upcoming meetings and events.
(Covering period: October-December 2016) (more…)
South Centre Statement on the Amendment to the WTO TRIPS Agreement to Ease Access to Affordable Medicine
An amendment to the TRIPS Agreement that aims to facilitate the access to affordable medicines has entered into force upon approval by two thirds of the WTO members. The amendment reflects the recognition by WTO Members of the need for the continued enhancement of global intellectual property rules to allow Members to systematically take measures to protect public health.
South Centre Statement to the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board
The following is the statement delivered by the South Centre to the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board on 7 December 2016 in Geneva .
This update provides a snapshot of the activities of the Development, Innovation and Intellectual Property Programme during the month of December 2016. (more…)
Title: Taking Stock of Global Developments on ABS and Intellectual Property
Date: 15 December 2016, 18:15
Venue: Youth Group Meeting Room, Sunrise Building, Second Floor
Organizer: The South Centre
This update provides a snapshot of the activities of the Development, Innovation and Intellectual Property Programme during the month of November 2016. (more…)
Outcome of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization 2016
The fifty-sixth series of meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) were held on 3-11 October 2016. They concluded with no agreement among member States on key issues, such as whether to convene a Diplomatic Conference for adoption of the Design Law Treaty (DLT) and the establishment of new WIPO External Offices for the 2016/17 biennium. (more…)
Is the Right to Use Trademarks Mandated by the TRIPS Agreement?
Accepting the notion that a positive right to use a trademark is implicitly recognized by the TRIPS Agreement would have systemic implications in the context of WTO. (more…)
