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

December 5, 2011

Infojustice Roundup Intellectual Property and the Public Interest Civil Society Writes WIPO, Expresses Concerns with IP Enforcement Work 45 civil society groups have written WIPO Director General Francis Gurry regarding the international IP enforcement agenda. They ask that “WIPO urgently make publicly available all information (e.g. participants and speakers’ list, presentations, list of documents distributed, […]

Ten Members of Congress Drafting Legislation for an Alternative to SOPA

Senators Cantwell, Moran, Warner and Wyden, and Representatives Chaffetz, Campbell, Doggett, Eshoo and Lofgren have released a discussion document summarizing IP legislation they are currently drafting to serve as an alternative to the Stop Online Piracy Act. It would allow IP owners to petition the International Trade Commission to issue cease-and-desist orders against foreign websites […]

Controversy Over Copyright Reform In Brazil

Controversy over copyright reform in Brazil continues as two major newspapers publish opposing stories on a supposedly final version of the Ministry of Culture bill, leaked by a source within the federal government. On November 26th, Rio de Janeiro’s O Globo printed a cautious but positive piece on the copyright reform bill, stressing that 85% […]

WIPO Completes 23rd SCCR with Movement on Treaties for the Visually Impaired and Libraries & Archives

WIPO’s Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) has completed a two-week session with progress in two areas in which advocates are seeking international agreements on limitations and exceptions to copyright. The Committee announced that it will consider input from library groups and delegations to the meeting – and accept further comments from members […]

TPP may include “sequencing” of IP obligations

Ambassador of New Zealand to the United States, and former WTO Director General, Mike Moore explained today that the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP) may contain the “sequencing” of intellectual property and other provisions for some members. He made the statement today at Brookings event on Japan’s potential entry to the TPP. Author Sean Flynn

Letter to WIPO From 45 Civil Society Groups: IP Enforcement

The letter below was sent to Mr. Francis Gurry on 30th November 2011. The contents were also communicated during the Advisory Committee on Enforcement that met on 30th November to 1st December 2011. Regards, Sangeeta Shashikant Third World Network ...Today it is widely known that proponents of a "maximalist agenda" on intellectual property (made up of OECD businesses and governments)