SCCR concludes work on treaty for blind text, dates for more negotiations, GA likely to schedule diplomatic conference in 2013

sccr_IMG_1587.JPGThe SCCR has seems to have finished its work on the text for a possible treaty on copyright exceptions for persons who are blind or have other disabilities, and earlier than expected. The new text distributed to delegates is 25 pages long (attached below), and includes several articles with no brackets. There are many differences to be resolved. The question is, will WIPO proceed with a diplomatic conference in 2013? Continue Reading

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November 21 version of WIPO treaty for the blind negotiating text

Attached below is the November 21, 2012 version of the “REVISED WORKING DOCUMENT ON AN INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENT ON LIMITATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS/PERSONS WITH PRINT DISABILITIES.”

We are interested in hearing from people on any part of the text (mailto:james.love@keionline.org).

Note that on page 9 that the brackets have been removed on the definition of “authorized entity.”

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Distance education for blind people opposed by a White House responsive to MPAA

hvrtwr_kbd_225x150_q60.jpgDuring the WIPO negotiations on disabilities, the White House has told U.S. Blind groups it will kill a WIPO treaty on copyright exceptions for persons who are blind or have other disabilities if the treaty covers audiovisual works, including those used in education, including distance teaching programs.

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Talking points for KEI statement at SCCR 25, November 21, 2012

I just read from these talking points at WIPO SCCR 25, where the topic under discuss is a proposed treaty for persons who are blind or have other disabilities. (See /r2r).

1. KEI is disappointed that deaf people are left out.

2. KEI is disappointed that there is a proposal to eliminate the article on contracts. We agree with the Library Copyright Alliance that contracts are now being used to undermine exceptions. The treaty should have provisions to make it clear that governments may override exception killing contracts.

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NIH expects to rule on ritonavir march-in petition “by the end of the year”

Mark Rohrbaugh has written to Krista Cox to acknowledge the October 25, 2012 march-in petition. According to Rohrbaugh, the petition has be delegated to NIH’s Office of Technology Transfer (OTT), and “NIH has begun to review the issues you have brought to our attention.” Rohrbaugh closes by saying “We expect to respond to your request by the end of the year.” Continue Reading

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How did markets respond to Romney’s temporary surge in polling data?

How did the market respond to Romney’s temporary surge in polling data? And which sectors of the economy expect to do better if Romney is elected? For the companies included in a survey, the share prices for all large banks and large health insurance and managed care providers rose when Romney’s poll numbers unexpectedly surged, while prices for the companies in the telecommunications and technology sectors declined.

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