April 2011 report on negotiations for a WIPO copyright treaty for persons who are blind or have other disabilities
KEI Research Note 2011:1
April 7, 2011
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US provides misleading answer to WIPO questionnaire on export of accessible works under US law
Although domestic law in the US provides for certain exceptions and limitations from infringement of copyright for the production of accessible works for the visually impaired, as well as importation and exportation of these materials, the law is ambiguous and insufficient in allowing non-profit entities or government agencies to export these works.
MEPs Marietje Schaake and Christian Engstrom submit question on appointment of Maria Martin-Prat to EU copyright post
On April 1, 2011, Marietje SCHAAKE and Christian ENGSTRÖM submitted a parliamentary question on the appointment of Maria Martin-Part as the new head of unit for copy Continue Reading
Undermining the copyright exceptions for the blind
The WIPO “Stakeholder Platform,” an endeavor by rightholder organizations that came about in response to the proposal of the World Blind Union Treaty, seeks to engage in voluntary agreements and licensing deals to make works accessible to the visually impaired. Although the “Stakeholder Platform” appears to be a positive measure on its face, these voluntary agreements may actually impair, rather enhance, the ability of the blind to gain access to books and other works. Continue Reading
Maria Martin-Prat reported to replace Tilman Lueder as head of unit for copyright at European Commission
According to stories in the German and French press (links below), Tilman Lueder will be leaving his position as the head of union for copyright for the European Commission, for a new EC job in China. [The FT confirms Tilman is leaving, but suggests he will have a different assignment]. Tilman will reportedly be replaced by Maria Martin-Prat. Continue Reading
The production of generic drugs in India: A new trade agreement with the EU would hinder access to drugs in developing countries
On March 22, 2011, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published the following guest editorial about the EU/India Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
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UN Rapporteur for the Right to Health asked to intervene in the TPP negotiation
The following groups and individuals have written to Anand Grover, the Special Rapporteur for the United Nations on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, to lodge a complaint about the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP is a regional free trade agreement being negotiated by the governments of Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Peru, Vietnam and the United States.
Note on use of Orphan Drug Act to increase price of hydroxyprogesterone caproate from $10 to $1,500 per dose
(Following discussions with Ed Silverman of Pharmalot, this blog was updated at 12 pm on March 22, to add some suggestions as to how to reform the Orphan Drug Act).
This note concerns an increase in the price of hydroxyprogesterone caproate, from $10 to $20 per dose to $1,500 per dose. (Several injections are needed). Long used off label to prevent premature births, the drug will be sold by KV Pharmaceuticals, under a newly granted right under a statutory monopoly, at 150 times the price of the generic product using the trade name Makena.
April 2011: WHO to tackle pandemic influenza, de-linkage, prizes, R&D financing and non-communicable diseases
April 2011 ushers in a busy period for the World Health Organization. Continue Reading