Advocating for a world where intellectual
property law serves the public interest.

A New Ministry of Culture in Brazil

Just after entering the 21st month heading the Ministry of Culture in Brazil, Ana de Hollanda was dismissed on Tuesday, September 11. The new Minister, Marta Suplicy, a well known Labor Party politician from São Paulo, took office on the 13th (see the news on the ceremony). Ana de Hollanda has been on shaky grounds […]

Fast-Tracked Panamanian Copyright Bill Creates Financial Incentive to Maximize Enforcement of Copyright

Last month, the Panamanian executive branch introduced new copyright legislation to bring the nation into compliance with its Free Trade Agreement with the U.S. The executive would like the legislature to pass it by October. Bill no. 510 “On Author’s Rights and Neighboring Rights” (Sobre Derechos e Autor y Derchos Conexos) lengthens the term of […]

Civil Society in the Republic of Moldova Opposing Data Exclusivity in FTA with the EU

I am a public health professional representing the organization Center for Health Policies and Studies (PAS), an NGO working in policy analysis and research in health in Moldova. In June 2012 we became aware of the intention of the government to change patent legislation by introducing data exclusivity as an additional IPR measure in addition […]

India Rejects Bayer’s Request for a Stay on Compulsory License

India’s Intellectual Property Appellate Board has rejected Bayer’s request for a stay on the compulsory licensed issued for the anticancer drug sorafenib tosylate, (sold by Bayer under the brand name Nexaver). The compulsory license was issued to the generic manufacturer Natco last March under Section 84 of the Indian Patents Act. The controller of patents […]

Progress Slow on IPR Talks as Fourteenth Round of TPP Negotiations Concludes

On Sunday, TPP negotiators concluded their 14th round of negotiations. The IPR talks revolved around cooperation on IPRs, trademarks, and geographical indications. Progress in the IPR negotiations were said to be progressing very slowly, and negotiators were scheduled to address copyright provisions on the last day. USTR announced that the next round of negotiations will […]

Internet Activa: A webinar for digital activists

“Digital rights and civil freedoms on the web, 12 basic lessons online” is the first online seminar, to be launched from September 2012 until February 2013. This webinar will give you the information, criteria and basic tools to understand key issues in our times. It will also give you a glimpse of similar experiences in […]