Since May 2009, the ACLU and Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT) have been litigating a case involving the patent eligibility of two human genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, associated with ovarian and breast cancer. ACLU and PUBPAT, representing the petitioners, Association for Molecular Pathology, among others, have argued that human genes are not patentable and that patents on such objects stifle diagnostic testing and further research.
For call-in details for today’s event, contact Krista Cox.
On January 27, 2012, KEI will host a brown bag lunch with Shira Perlmutter. Shira was recently appointed the Administrator for Policy and External Affairs of USPTO. This position was most recently held by Albert Tramposch, who replaced Arti Rai, the first Obama appointee.
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WHO reform is among the hot topics for consideration at the 130th session of the WHO Executive Board which meets from 16 January 2012 to 23 January 2012. One paper in particular, EB130/5 Add.4, entitled, “Governance: Promoting engagement with other stakeholders and involvement with and oversight of partnerships” describes how WHO may re-assess its relationship with non-governmental organizations including,
On December 7, 2011, USTR issued Federal Register Notice 76480-76481 requesting comments on “Canada’s Expression of Interest in the Proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement.” USTR issued similar requests for comments regarding Japan’s (Notice 76478-76479) and Mexico’s (Notice 76479-76480) expression of interest in the TPPA.
KEI has submitted a response to this notice available for download here.
Attached is a pdf of an article in the Dutch Het Financieele Dagblad, regarding medical innovation prize funds. An html version is available here. Continue Reading
World Health OrganizationThe 130th session of the WHO Executive Board will examine inter alia, the following technical items:
Prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (scheduled for discussion on Thursday, 19 January 2012)
1 2012: Representatives Issa (R-CA) and Maloney (D-NY) introduce anti-open access legislation
On December 16, 2011, H.R. 3699, “the Research Works Act”, was introduced by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Committee member Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). This is how the Association of American Publishers describes the bill:
KEI comments for House Committee on Ways and Means Hearing on Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA)
On Wednesday, December 14, 2011 the Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). Oral testimony was accepted only from invited witnesses. These witnesses included: Ambassador Demetrios Marantis (Deputy U.S. Trade Representative), Devry S. Boughner (Director, Intenrational Business Relations on behalf of Cargill Inc. and U.S. Business Coalition for TPP), Angela Marshall Hofmann (Vice President for Global Integrated Sourcing on Trade, Wal-Mart Stores), and Michael Wessel (President of The Wessel Group).
USTR to “clarify” its position on extension of LDC transition period for TRIPS
On June 11, 2011, KEI published KEI Policy Brief 2011:1, which was titled: “White House and European Commission trade official oppose waiver of drug patents for Least Developed Countries (LDCs).”
16 December 2011: KEI side event @ 8th WTO Ministerial Conference: The TRIPS Agreement and Copyright
Friday, 16 December 2011
Knowledge Ecology International (KEI) side event @ 8th WTO Ministerial Conference
Geneva
Room B, Centre William Rappard, World Trade Organization
Rue de Lausanne 154
11:00 AM to 1:00 PMThe TRIPS Agreement and Copyright
Knowledge Ecology International
IntroductionTRIPS, the copyright 3-step test, and exceptions to rights