Intellectual property
Geographical indications
This chapter explains the provisions of Section 3 of Part II of the TRIPS Agreement entitled ‘Geographical Indications’. A geographical indication (GI) is defined in the TRIPS Agreement as an indication which identifies a good as originating in the territory of a member or a regional locality in that territory where a given quality reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. Typical examples would be ‘Cognac’ for a brandy coming from that region of France and ‘Darjeeling’ for tea coming from that region of India.
Appendices
I would like to thank you very much for inviting me to this Symposium. It is really great to be back in Geneva. I have indeed very fond memories of my long stay here and coming back gives me the great pleasure to meet dear old friends.
Revisiting the TRIPS negotiations: Genesis and structure of this book
The 1986 Punta del Este Declaration inaugurated a set of negotiations on “traderelated aspects of intellectual property rights” as part of the Uruguay Round mandate for multilateral trade negotiations. These negotiations led ultimately to the conclusion of the TRIPS Agreement an integral element of the single undertaking constituting the legal framework for the newly established WTO which came into existence in 1995.
Un monde de possibilités … et de défis
D’après une étude publiée par le Parlement européen en 2017 la chaîne de blocs pourrait « changer nos vies » (Boucher 2017). Ce que montrent les différentes applications de la chaîne de blocs qui sont mises au point dans des domaines aussi divers que le financement du commerce la facilitation des échanges le commerce des services la propriété intellectuelle et les marchés publics c’est que la chaîne de blocs peut avoir un impact considérable sur les opérateurs commerciaux et sur les organismes gouvernementaux participant au commerce international. Les possibilités sont multiples mais elles ne seront réalisées que si plusieurs défis clés sont relevés.
Preface
This book was conceived in mid-2014 when members of the Intellectual Property Division (IPD) of the WTO began to reflect on what facets of the Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) could be highlighted for WTO members and the public at large in 2015 a year marking the 20th anniversary both of the WTO and of the entry into force of the TRIPS Agreement. The IPD under the leadership of its Director Antony Taubman planned a capacity-building Symposium on the TRIPS Agreement and a book on TRIPS negotiations informally dubbed the “TRIPS@20” project.
Working together towards TRIPS
The negotiations on IP during the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations of the GATT (1986–94) were able to build upon a large body of existing law both international and domestic. The main disciplines and notions of IP protection were already well established at the inception of the negotiations in 1986 with the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration in Punta del Este and its compromise that meant that negotiations would be conducted only on so-called trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights. The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property of 1883 and the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works of 1886 – both amounting to the very first multilateral agreements in the field of international economic law long before the advent of the GATT in 1947 – provided the underpinnings in international law.
Undisclosed information, unfair competition and anti-competitive practices
This chapter deals with the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement that set out standards for protection of undisclosed information including test data (Article 39 of Section 7 in Part II of the Agreement) and measures for the control of anti-competitive practices in licences (Article 40 of Part II of the TRIPS Agreement). It also deals with the suppression of unfair competition a matter which is specifically referred to in Articles 22 (relating to protection of geographical indications) and 39 (relating to protection of undisclosed information) and also arises through the reference in Article 2 of the TRIPS Agreement to the Paris Convention: Article 10bis of that convention sets out general standards for the suppression of unfair competition. As for all sections of Part II these sections have to be read together with the relevant provisions of pre-existing treaties in the area of international IP law which are incorporated by reference into the TRIPS Agreement. Reference will be made to these treaties in the sections below. This chapter will also have to be read in conjunction with other relevant provisions of the TRIPS Agreement explained in other chapters (such as concerning non-discrimination enforcement of IP rights and the administration of IP). Wherever appropriate cross-references are made to other chapters.
Industrial designs and layout-designs of integrated circuits
This chapter deals with the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement that set out standards for protection of industrial designs (Articles 25 and 26 in Section 4 of Part II of the Agreement) and protection of layout-designs or topographies of integrated circuits (Articles 35 to 38 in Section 6 of Part II). As for all sections of Part II these sections have to be read together with the relevant provisions of pre-existing treaties in the area of international IP law which are incorporated by reference into the TRIPS Agreement. Reference will be made to these treaties in the sections below. This chapter will also have to be read in conjunction with other relevant provisions of the TRIPS Agreement that are explained in other chapters (such as those concerning non-discrimination enforcement of IP rights and the administration of IP). Wherever appropriate cross-references are made to other chapters.
Introduction
The world is continually changing driven by technological innovations that affect the way we live and do business. The history of the world economy is intimately linked to technological progress. The invention of the steam engine mechanized production the discovery of electricity enabled mass production and the rise of the internet made it possible to coordinate various production stages at a distance leading to a fragmentation of production that gave rise to global value chains.
Acknowledgements
My sincere thanks go to my colleague Ms Kenza Le Mentec for her precious guidance. Kenza introduced me to the subject and provided invaluable inputs in particular for the technical sections describing the technology and the section on trade facilitation. This publication would not have been possible without her support.
Negotiating for Switzerland
Learning is a continuing process in one’s life. Some lessons are well archived on our “personal hard disk” with learning by doing being the most efficient method of saving those lessons. Negotiating the TRIPS Agreement was “unforgettable” to cite a famous American TV series. Indeed it is one of the most well-archived and prominent learning experiences of my career. Having been born and grown up in a developing country namely Viet Nam (south) with its realities printed in my DNA I came a long way eventually working at representing a small developed country. Switzerland which is characterized by an economy based on free enterprise innovation and exports of manufactured goods and services as well as by a compromise-oriented “culture” in terms of policy law-making and negotiating set the stage for this learning experience in the field of IP prior during and after the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations under the GATT.
Acknowledgements
This publication is the product of extensive collaboration between the WHO WIPO and WTO Secretariats led by the Department of Public Health Innovation and Intellectual Property in the WHO the Global Challenges Division in WIPO and the Intellectual Property Government Procurement and Competition Division in the WTO.
Un mundo de oportunidades ... y de retos
En 2017 el Parlamento Europeo publicó una investigación en la que se afirmaba que las cadenas de bloques podían "cambiarnos la vida" (Boucher 2017). Lo que demuestran las varias aplicaciones de la cadena de bloques que se están desarrollando en esferas tan diversas como la financiación del comercio la facilitación del comercio el comercio de servicios la propiedad intelectual y la contratación pública es que esta tecnología puede tener repercusiones considerables tanto en los comerciantes como en los organismos públicos que participan en el comercio internacional. Las oportunidades tienen muchas facetas pero solo se harán realidad si se resuelven varios retos fundamentales.
Enforcement
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the key features of the provisions of Part III Sections 1 to 5 of the TRIPS Agreement entitled ‘Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights’. This Part of the Agreement elaborates in 21 articles the enforcement procedures that members have to make available to permit prompt and effective action against infringements of IPRs covered by the TRIPS Agreement.
Intellectual property, trade and other policy dimensions
This section provides an overview of elements and legal and policy instruments relating to the IP and international trade system which are relevant to medical innovation and access to medical technologies at the international level.
Can Blockchain revolutionize international trade?
The number of headlines claiming that Blockchain can revolutionize various areas of international trade from trade finance to customs procedures and intellectual property are legion. The transparent decentralized and immutable nature of Blockchain has sparked the interest of private actors – and governments – to explore the potential of this technology to enhance the efficiency of trade processes and a myriad of proofs of concepts and pilot projects using Blockchain have been developed in virtually all areas of international trade.
Economics of innovation and access to medical technologies
The past decade has seen more systematic efforts to use the tools of economic analysis to support discussions on health policy particularly in developing economies. The WHO Commission on Macroeconomics and Health (WHO 2001a) was a major milestone along this road. The present study does not attempt to advance economic analysis and the theoretical understanding of the economics of technology innovation and access issues. Rather it recognizes the growing importance of economic concepts in policy debate and it briefly reviews the main economic concepts and the current body of literature dealing with the IP aspects of these issues.
Agradecimientos
Quiero expresar mi más sincero agradecimiento a mi colega la Sra. Kenza Le Mentec por sus valiosas orientaciones. Kenza me dio a conocer el tema e hizo importantes aportaciones en particular para las secciones técnicas en que se describe la tecnología y para la dedicada a la facilitación del comercio. Esta publicación no hubiera sido posible sin su apoyo.
Introducción
El mundo está en continuo proceso de cambio impulsado por innovaciones tecnológicas que afectan la forma en que vivimos y hacemos negocios. La historia de la economía mundial está íntimamente ligada al progreso tecnológico. La máquina de vapor facilitó la mecanización de la producción el descubrimiento de electricidad permitió la producción en masa y la aparición de Internet permitió coordinar a distancia las diversas fases de producción lo que llevó a una fragmentación de la producción que dio origen a cadenas de valor mundiales.
A dramatic impact on health systems and responses at the global level
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic constitutes an extraordinary global public health crisis. It has created a pressing need for intensified global cooperation. The pandemic has from its outset raised issues at the crossroads of public health trade intellectual property (IP) policy and the framework for and management of innovation and access including issues related to technology transfer.
Réponses sous la forme de réglementations
L’évaluation réglementaire et l’approbation des technologies de la santé sont essentielles dans tout système de santé pour garantir la qualité la sécurité et l’efficacité des produits. Aucun traitement efficace contre la COVID-19 n’a encore été trouvé. Des essais cliniques sont en cours concernant de nouveaux traitements ainsi que des médicaments affectés à un nouvel usage. Un « usage compassionnel » des médicaments (c’est-à-dire une utilisation clinique avant approbation) a lieu dans des cas spécifiques.
Aspectos relacionados con la propiedad intelectual
El régimen mundial de propiedad intelectual ofrece un marco de incentivos que permite fomentar la innovación urgente necesaria para luchar contra la COVID-19. Abarca desde las fases de invención hasta el suministro de un producto o servicio. Las repercusiones de las patentes en el acceso a los medicamentos es un asunto complejo que despierta especial interés. También se analizan otros derechos de propiedad intelectual como los secretos comerciales.
Intellectual property aspects
The global IP system provides an incentive framework in which urgently needed innovation in relation to COVID-19 can be encouraged. It covers the stages from invention to supply of a product or service. The impact of patents on access is complex and an area of particular focus. Other IP rights including trade secrets are also being discussed. IP policy and the administration and enforcement of IP laws aim to balance and accommodate a range of interests in a way that promotes overall public welfare. A wide range of policy options and flexibilities are built into the international IP regime and can be used to promote access to health products and other public health objectives.
Introducción
La segunda edición de la publicación conjunta de la OMS la OMPI y la OMC titulada Promover el acceso a las tecnologías y la innovación en medicina: Intersecciones entre la salud pública la propiedad intelectual y el comercio (el estudio trilateral) publicada en 2020 incluía un suplemento especial en que se presentaban los desafíos planteados por la pandemia de COVID-19 en relación con los marcos de política integrados de salud comercio y propiedad intelectual descritos en el estudio. El estudio trilateral y el suplemento especial se han concebido para servir como referencia básica a los responsables de las políticas en el sentido más amplio –legisladores funcionarios públicos delegados ante las organizaciones internacionales las organizaciones no gubernamentales (ONG) e investigadores– que necesitan una exposición completa y detallada de toda la gama de cuestiones así como de instituciones y conceptos jurídicos que tal vez no conozcan suficientemente. También se ha elaborado como recurso fáctico para las actividades de cooperación técnica de las tres organizaciones.
The way forward
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed immense pressure on health systems and trade systems around the world. The urgent search for technologies that may help to control the pandemic has mobilized unprecedented research efforts and investments. It has given rise to new models of working. Rapid and efficient innovation is needed more than ever and global equitable access to new technologies is of paramount importance. Adequate management of IP is central to achieving these goals.
Introduction
The second edition of the joint WHO WIPO and WTO publication “Promoting Access to Medical Technologies and Innovation: Intersections between public health intellectual property and trade” (the Trilateral Study) published in 2020 included a special insert mapping the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to the integrated health trade and IP policy framework set out in the study. The Trilateral Study and the special insert were designed to serve as background reference for policy-makers in the widest sense – lawmakers government officials delegates to international organizations non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and researchers who seek a comprehensive presentation of the full range of issues including institutions and legal concepts with which they may be unfamiliar. It is also designed to serve as a factual resource for the three organizations’ technical cooperation activities.
Asegurar la transparencia
La transparencia y la disponibilidad de información actualizada sobre las medidas adoptadas por los Gobiernos revisten una importancia crucial y afectan tanto a los aspectos jurídicos como a los aspectos relacionados con las políticas que se abordan en el estudio trilateral.
Technologies relatives à la COVID-19 : initiatives internationales visant à appuyer la R&D et un accès équitable
Depuis le début de la pandémie de COVID-19 une multitude d’acteurs publics et privés se sont efforcés de collaborer à l’échelle mondiale pour mettre au point des traitements des vaccins et des diagnostics en vue de garantir un accès équitable à ces technologies. De nombreux efforts de ce type visent à répondre simultanément aux besoins en matière de R&D et d’accès. Les efforts de collaboration comprennent des investissements substantiels dans des partenariats pour le développement de produits (PDP) afin de favoriser le développement non commercial de vaccins et de vastes initiatives de R&D impliquant de multiples parties prenantes.
Preservar la eficacia del comercio internacional
Si bien los países de ingresos bajos y medianos tienen especiales dificultades derivadas de la escasez mundial de tecnologías sanitarias clave la gran mayoría de los países son importadores netos de todo tipo de tecnologías sanitarias incluidas las necesarias para luchar contra la COVID-19.
Preserving effective international trade
While low- and middle-income countries face particular challenges caused by the global scarcity of key health technologies the vast majority of countries are net importers of all categories of health technologies including those needed to address COVID-19.
Incidence colossale sur les systèmes de santé et réponses au niveau mondial
La pandémie de maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) constitue une crise de santé publique mondiale extraordinaire. Elle a rendu urgente l’intensification de la coopération au niveau planétaire. Dès le début elle a soulevé des questions à l’intersection entre la politique de santé publique la politique commerciale la politique en matière de propriété intellectuelle et le cadre et la gestion de l’innovation et de l’accès y compris les questions relatives au transfert de technologie.
Regulatory responses
Regulatory assessment and approval of health technologies are essential in every health system to ensure product quality safety and efficacy. An effective COVID-19 treatment has not yet been found. Clinical trials are ongoing for new treatments as well as for repurposed medicines. “Compassionate use” of medicines (i.e. their clinical use before approval) is taking place in specific cases.
Respuestas reglamentarias
En cualquier sistema de salud la evaluación y aprobación reglamentarias de las tecnologías sanitarias resulta esencial para garantizar la calidad la inocuidad y la eficacia de los productos. Aún no se ha encontrado un tratamiento eficaz para la COVID-19. Se siguen realizando ensayos clínicos tanto de nuevos tratamientos como de medicamentos readaptados. En ciertos casos se está haciendo un «uso compasivo» de medicamentos (es decir un uso clínico de medicamentos aún no aprobados).
Aspects relatifs à la propriété intellectuelle
Le système mondial de propriété intellectuelle offre un cadre incitatif dans lequel l’innovation nécessaire de toute urgence pour faire face à la COVID-19 peut être encouragée. Il couvre les différentes étapes allant de l’invention à la fourniture d’un produit ou d’un service. L’impact des brevets sur l’accès est complexe et fait l’objet d’une attention particulière. D’autres droits de propriété intellectuelle y compris les secrets commerciaux sont également à l’étude.
Satisfacción de la demanda de tecnologías sanitarias y servicios médicos
La pandemia ha seguido desencadenando una enorme demanda mundial de vacunas y de las tecnologías sanitarias existentes para luchar contra la COVID-19 como medios de diagnóstico medicamentos respiradores y otros dispositivos médicos y material fungible utilizado en hospitales (por ejemplo equipos de protección personal). Esto ha sometido a presión a los sistemas de contratación pública y ha generado en los países desarrollados y en desarrollo situaciones de escasez y otros problemas de suministro y acceso a determinados productos. La OMS facilita información sobre la respuesta mundial como el panorama actual de la I+D la situación de las aprobaciones reglamentarias y la fabricación y distribución de vacunas.
Meeting the demand for health technologies and medical services
The pandemic continues to trigger a massive global demand for vaccines as well as for existing health technologies to respond to COVID-19 including diagnostics medicines ventilators and other medical devices and consumables used in hospitals such as personal protective equipment (PPE). This has put pressure on public procurement systems and led to shortages and other supply and access challenges for certain products in developed and developing countries. WHO provides information about the global response such as R&D landscapes regulatory approval status and the manufacturing and distribution of vaccines.
Répondre à la demande de technologies de la santé et de services médicaux
La pandémie continue de déclencher une demande massive au niveau mondial en ce qui concerne les vaccins et les technologies de la santé existantes pour riposter contre la COVID-19 notamment les outils de diagnostics les médicaments les respirateurs artificiels et autres dispositifs médicaux ainsi que les consommables utilisés dans les hôpitaux tels que les équipements de protection individuelle (EPI). Cet afflux a mis sous pression les systèmes de passation de marchés publics et a entraîné des pénuries et d’autres difficultés d’approvisionnement et d’accès pour certains produits dans les pays développés et les pays en développement. L’OMS fournit des renseignements concernant la réponse apportée à la pandémie au niveau mondial y compris en ce qui concerne les paysages de la R&D le statut d’approbation réglementaire et la fabrication et la distribution de vaccins.
Una repercusión dramática en los sistemas de salud y las respuestas a nivel mundial
La pandemia por coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19) ha generado una crisis mundial de salud pública extraordinaria. Ha creado una necesidad acuciante de intensificar la cooperación a nivel mundial y ha planteado interrogantes en la encrucijada entre las políticas de salud pública el comercio la política de propiedad intelectual y el marco para la innovación y la manera de gestionarla incluidas cuestiones relacionadas con la transferencia de tecnología.
Introduction
La deuxième édition de la publication conjointe de l’OMS l’OMPI et l’OMC intitulée « Promouvoir l’accès aux technologies médicales et l’innovation : Intersections entre la santé publique et la propriété intellectuelle et le commerce » (l’étude trilatérale) publiée en 2020 contenait un encart spécial dans lequel étaient présentés les défis posés par la pandémie par rapport au cadre intégré de politiques en matière de santé de commerce et de propriété intellectuelle établi dans l’étude. L’étude trilatérale et l’encart spécial ont été conçus pour servir de référence aux décideurs au sens le plus large du terme – législateurs fonctionnaires gouvernementaux délégués auprès d’organisations internationales organisations non gouvernementales (ONG) et chercheurs – souhaitant obtenir une présentation complète de l’ensemble des questions y compris sur les institutions et les concepts juridiques dont ils sont peutêtre peu familiers. Ils doivent constituer une ressource factuelle pour les activités de coopération technique des trois organisations.
COVID-19 technologies: international initiatives to support R&D and equitable access
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic myriad public and private actors have launched collaborative global efforts to develop treatments vaccines and diagnostics with the aim of guaranteeing equitable access to those technologies. Many such efforts strive to address R&D and access needs simultaneously. Collaborative efforts include substantial investments in product development partnerships (PDPs) to support the non-commercial development of vaccines and large multi-stakeholder R&D initiatives.
La voie à suivre
La pandémie de COVID-19 a exercé une pression très forte sur les systèmes de santé et les systèmes commerciaux dans le monde entier. La recherche urgente de technologies susceptibles d’aider à combattre la pandémie a mobilisé des efforts de recherche et des investissements sans précédent. Cela a donné naissance à de nouveaux modèles de travail. Une innovation rapide et efficace est plus que jamais nécessaire et un accès mondial équitable aux nouvelles technologies est d’une importance capitale. Une gestion adéquate de la propriété intellectuelle est essentielle pour atteindre ces objectifs.
Garantir la transparence
La transparence et la mise à disposition d’informations actualisées sur les mesures prises par les gouvernements sont d’une importance capitale et concernent aussi les aspects juridiques et politiques évoqués dans l’étude trilatérale.
Problemas de política planteados por la pandemia
La pandemia de COVID-19 ha tenido efectos repentinos y de gran alcance en los sistemas de salud e importantes repercusiones sociales y económicas en todo el mundo. La Directora del Fondo Monetario Internacional (FMI) advirtió de que aunque ha habido un fuerte crecimiento económico en los países ricos el crecimiento de los países en desarrollo está siendo frenado por la lentitud con que avanza el proceso de vacunación lo que pone en peligro la uniformidad del crecimiento y la estabilidad y la seguridad mundiales. Los datos del Banco mundial indican que la pandemia ha provocado un fuerte incremento de la deuda sobre todo en los mercados emergentes y las economías en desarrollo. Los informes estadísticos publicados por el Comité de Coordinación de las Actividades Estadísticas de las Naciones Unidas en los que se analizan las repercusiones sociales y económicas de la pandemia sugieren que la pandemia ha empujado a la pobreza extrema a entre 71 y 100 millones de personas.
Préserver un commerce international efficace
Si les pays à revenu faible ou intermédiaire sont confrontés à des difficultés particulières dues à la pénurie au niveau mondial de technologies de santé essentielles la grande majorité des pays sont importateurs nets de toutes les catégories de technologies de la santé y compris celles qui sont nécessaires pour lutter contre la COVID-19.
Tecnologías relacionadas con la COVID-19: iniciativas internacionales para apoyar las actividades de I+D y facilitar un acceso equitativo
Desde el inicio de la pandemia de COVID-19 muchos agentes públicos y privados han puesto en marcha iniciativas mundiales de colaboración para desarrollar tratamientos vacunas y medios de diagnóstico con objeto de garantizar un acceso equitativo a esas tecnologías. Muchos de esos esfuerzos están encaminados a abordar simultáneamente las necesidades en materia de I+D y las necesidades en materia de acceso. Entre las iniciativas de colaboración figuran inversiones sustanciales en asociaciones para el desarrollo de productos orientadas a apoyar el desarrollo no comercial de vacunas y amplias iniciativas de múltiples partes interesadas en materia de I+D.
Problèmes de politique générale posés par la pandémie
La pandémie de COVID-19 a eu un impact soudain et profond sur les systèmes de santé et des répercussions sociales et économiques importantes dans le monde entier. La cheffe de Secrétariat du Fonds monétaire international (FMI) a tenu à faire savoir que la croissance économique dans les pays riches était forte mais que les pays en développement étaient retardés par la lenteur du rythme de vaccination et que ce décalage compromettait l’homogénéité de la croissance et la stabilité et la sécurité mondiales. D’après les données de la Banque mondiale la pandémie a profondément creusé la dette en particulier sur les marchés émergents et dans les économies en développement. Les résumés statistiques publiés par le Comité de coordination des activités de statistique de l’ONU analysant les conséquences sociales et économiques de la pandémie laissent à entendre qu’elle fait basculer 71 à 100 millions de personnes dans l’extrême pauvreté.
Ensuring transparency
Transparency and the availability of up-to-date information on measures taken by governments are of critical importance and cut across both legal and policy areas addressed in the Trilateral Study.
El camino a seguir
La pandemia de COVID-19 ha sometido a una enorme presión a los sistemas de salud y de comercio de todo el mundo. La búsqueda urgente de tecnologías que puedan ayudar a controlar la pandemia ha movilizado esfuerzos e inversiones sin precedentes y ha dado lugar a nuevas modalidades de trabajo. La innovación rápida y eficiente es más necesaria que nunca y el acceso equitativo a escala mundial a las nuevas tecnologías es de suma importancia. Para alcanzar estos objetivos es fundamental una gestión adecuada de la propiedad intelectual.
Policy challenges posed by the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has generated sudden farreaching impacts on health systems with significant social and economic repercussions around the world. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief warned that while there has been strong economic growth in wealthy countries developing countries are being held back by slow vaccination rates and that this is a: “[...] danger for the coherence of growth and it is also a danger for global stability and security.” World Bank data indicate that the pandemic has resulted in a steep increase in debt especially in emerging markets and developing economies. Statistical briefs published by the UN Committee for the Coordination of Statistical Activities analysing the social and economic impact of the pandemic suggest that 71 to 100 million people are being pushed into extreme poverty by the pandemic.
Inde - Protection conferee par un brevet pour les produits pharmaceutiques et les produits chimiques pour l’agriculture
Le 19 décembre 1997 l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “Inde - Protection conferee par un brevet pour les produits pharmaceutiques et les produits chimiques pour l’agriculture”.
Chine - Mesures affectant la protection et le respect des droits de propriété intellectuelle
L’OMC a publié le 26 janvier 2009 le rapport d’un groupe spécial qui avait examiné la plainte des Etats-Unis dans l’affaire “Chine — Mesures affectant la protection et le respect des droits de propriété intellectuelle” (DS362).
Canadá - Protección mediante patente de los productos farmacéuticos
El 17 de marzo de 2000 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Canadá - Protección mediante patente de los productos farmacéuticos”.
Inde - Protection conférée par un brevet pour les produits pharmaceutiques et les produits chimiques pour l’agriculture
Le 05 septembre 1997 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Inde - Protection conférée par un brevet pour les produits pharmaceutiques et les produits chimiques pour l’agriculture”.
India - Protección mediante patente de los productos farmacéuticos y los productos químicos para la agricultura
El 19 de diciembre de 1997 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “India - Protección mediante patente de los productos farmacéuticos y los productos químicos para la agricultura”.
India - Patent Protection for Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Chemical Products - Complaint by the European Communities and their Member States
On 28 April 1997 the EC requested consultations with India in respect of the alleged absence in India of patent protection for pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical products and the absence of formal systems that permit the filing of patent applications of and provide exclusive marketing rights for such products. The EC contended that this is inconsistent with India’s obligations under Article 70 paragraphs 8 and 9 of the TRIPS Agreement (see similar US complaint in WT/DS50 where the Panel and Appellate Body reports were adopted on 16 January 1998).
Australie - Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce, les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage
Le 9 juin 2020 l’Organe d’appel a remis ses rapports dans les procédures engagées par le Honduras et la République dominicaine dans l’affaire “Australie — Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage” (DS435 et DS441).
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of - Measures Concerning the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
On 16 June 2020 the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by Qatar in “Saudi Arabia — Measures concerning the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights” (DS567).
Canada - Patent Protection of Pharmaceutical Products
On 19 December 1997 the EC requested consultations with Canada in respect of the alleged lack of protection of inventions by Canada in the area of pharmaceuticals under the relevant provisions of the Canadian implementing legislation in particular the Patent Act. The EC alleged that Canada’s legislation is not compatible with its obligations under the TRIPS Agreement because it does not provide for the full protection of patented pharmaceutical inventions for the entire duration of the term of protection envisaged by Articles 27.1 28 and 33 of the TRIPS Agreement.
Canada - Durée de la protection conférée par un brevet
Le 18 septembre 2000 l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “Canada - Durée de la protection conférée par un brevet”.
Inde - Protection conférée par un brevet pour les produits pharmaceutiques et les produits chimiques pour l’agriculture
Le 24 août 1998 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Inde - Protection conférée par un brevet pour les produits pharmaceutiques et les produits chimiques pour l’agriculture”.
Arabia Saudita, Reino de la - Medidas relativas a la protección de derechos de propiedad intelectual
El 16 de junio de 2020 la OMC distribuyó el informe del Grupo Especial encargado de la diferencia planteada por Qatar en el asunto “Arabia Saudita — Medidas relativas a la protección de derechos de propiedad intelectual” (DS567).
Canada - Term of Patent Protection
On 6 May 1999 the US requested consultations with Canada in respect of the term of protection granted to patents that were filed in Canada before 1 October 1989. The US contended that the TRIPS Agreement obligates Members to grant a term of protection for patents that runs at least until twenty years after the filing date of the underlying protection and requires each Member to grant this minimum term to all patents existing as of the date of the application of the Agreement to that Member. The US alleged that under the Canadian Patent Act the term granted to patents issued on the basis of applications filed before 1 October 1989 is 17 years from the date on which the patent is issued. The US contended that this situation is inconsistent with Articles 33 65 and 70 of the TRIPS Agreement.
Communautés européennes - Mesures relatives à la protection des marques et indications géographiques pour les produits agricoles et les denrées alimentaires
Le 15 mars 2005 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Communautés européennes - Mesures relatives à la protection des marques et indications géographiques pour les produits agricoles et les denrées alimentaires”.
China - Measures Affecting the Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights
On 10 April 2007 the United States requested consultations with China concerning certain measures pertaining to the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in China.
Canada - Term of Patent Protection
On 6 May 1999 the US requested consultations with Canada in respect of the term of protection granted to patents that were filed in Canada before 1 October 1989. The US contended that the TRIPS Agreement obligates Members to grant a term of protection for patents that runs at least until twenty years after the filing date of the underlying protection and requires each Member to grant this minimum term to all patents existing as of the date of the application of the Agreement to that Member. The US alleged that under the Canadian Patent Act the term granted to patents issued on the basis of applications filed before 1 October 1989 is 17 years from the date on which the patent is issued. The US contended that this situation is inconsistent with Articles 33 65 and 70 of the TRIPS Agreement.
United States - Section 211 Omnibus Appropriations Act of 1998
On 8 July 1999 the European Communities requested consultations with the United States in respect of Section 211 of the US Omnibus Appropriations Act. The EC and its member States alleged as follows: - Section 211 which was signed into law on 21 October 1998 did not allow the registration or renewal in the United States of a trademark if it was previously abandoned by a trademark owner whose business and assets have been confiscated under Cuban law. - This law provided that no US court shall recognize or enforce any assertion of such rights. - Section 211 US Omnibus Appropriations Act was not in conformity with the US’ obligations under the TRIPS Agreement notably its Article 2 in conjunction with the Paris Convention Article 3 Article 4 Articles 15 to 21 Article 41 Article 42 and Article 62
États-Unis - Article 110 5) de la Loi sur le droit d’auteur
Le 15 juin 2000 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “États-Unis - Article 110 5) de la Loi sur le droit d’auteur”.
Australie - Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce, les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage
Le 28 juin 2014 l’OMC a distribué le rapport du Groupe spécial dans les affaires introduites par le Honduras la République dominicaine Cuba et l’Indonésie “Australie — Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage” (DS435 DS441 DS458 et DS467)
Comunidades Europeas - Protección de las marcas de fábrica o de comercio y las indicaciones geográficas en el caso de los productos agrícolas y los productos alimenticios
El 15 de marzo de 2005 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Comunidades Europeas - Protección de las marcas de fábrica o de comercio y las indicaciones geográficas en el caso de los productos agrícolas y los productos alimenticios”.
United States - Section 211 Omnibus Appropriations Act of 1998
On 8 July 1999 the European Communities requested consultations with the United States in respect of Section 211 of the US Omnibus Appropriations Act. The EC and its member States alleged as follows: - Section 211 which was signed into law on 21 October 1998 did not allow the registration or renewal in the United States of a trademark if it was previously abandoned by a trademark owner whose business and assets have been confiscated under Cuban law. - This law provided that no US court shall recognize or enforce any assertion of such rights. - Section 211 US Omnibus Appropriations Act was not in conformity with the US’ obligations under the TRIPS Agreement notably its Article 2 in conjunction with the Paris Convention Article 3 Article 4 Articles 15 to 21 Article 41 Article 42 and Article 62
China- Medidas que afectan a la protección y observancia de los derechos de propiedad intelectual
El 26 de enero de 2009 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “China- Medidas que afectan a la protección y observancia de los derechos de propiedad intelectual”.
European Communities - Protection of Trademarks and Geographical Indications for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs
On 1 June 1999 the US requested consultations with the EC in respect of the alleged lack of protection of trademarks and geographical indications (GIs) for agricultural products and foodstuffs in the EC. The US contended that EC Regulation 2081/92 as amended does not provide national treatment with respect to geographical indications and does not provide sufficient protection to pre-existing trademarks that are similar or identical to a geographical indication. The US considered this situation to be inconsistent with the EC’s obligations under the TRIPS Agreement including but not necessarily limited to Articles 3 16 24 63 and 65 of the TRIPS Agreement...
United States - Section 110(5) of the US Copyright Act
On 26 January 1999 the European Communities requested consultations with the United States in respect of Section 110(5) of the US Copyright Act as amended by the Fairness in Music Licensing Act which was enacted on 27 October 1998. The European Communities contended that Section 110(5) of the US Copyright Act permits under certain conditions the playing of radio and television music in public places (bars shops restaurants etc.) without the payment of a royalty fee. The European Communities considered that this statute is inconsistent with US obligations under Article 9(1) of the TRIPS Agreement which requires Members to comply with Articles 1-21 of the Berne Convention. The dispute centred on the compatibility of two exemptions provided for in Section 110(5) of the US Copyright Act with Article 13 of the TRIPS Agreement which allows certain limitations or exceptions to exclusive rights of copyright holders subject to the condition that such limitations are confined to certain special cases do not conflict with a normal exploitation of the work in question and do not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the right holder: The so-called “business” exemption provided for in sub-paragraph (B) of Section 110(5) essentially allows the amplification of music broadcasts without an authorization and a payment of a fee by food service and drinking establishments and by retail establishments provided that their size does not exceed a certain square footage limit. It also allows such amplification of music broadcasts by establishments above this square footage limit provided that certain equipment limitations are met. The so-called “homestyle” exemption provided for in sub-paragraph (A) of Section 110(5) allows small restaurants and retail outlets to amplify music broadcasts without an authorization of the right holders and without the payment of a fee provided that they use only homestyle equipment (i.e. equipment of a kind commonly used in private homes).
India - Protección mediante patente de los productos farmacéuticos y los productos químicos para la agricultura
El 24 de agosto de 1998 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “India - Protección mediante patente de los productos farmacéuticos y los productos químicos para la agricultura”.
European Communities - Protection of Trademarks and Geographical Indications for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs
On 1 June 1999 the US requested consultations with the EC in respect of the alleged lack of protection of trademarks and geographical indications (GIs) for agricultural products and foodstuffs in the EC. The US contended that EC Regulation 2081/92 as amended does not provide national treatment with respect to geographical indications and does not provide sufficient protection to pre-existing trademarks that are similar or identical to a geographical indication. The US considered this situation to be inconsistent with the EC’s obligations under the TRIPS Agreement including but not necessarily limited to Articles 3 16 24 63 and 65 of the TRIPS Agreement...
Comunidades Europeas - Medidas relacionadas con la protección de las marcas de fábrica o de comercio y las indicaciones geográficas en el caso de los productos agrícolas y los productos alimenticios
El 15 de marzo de 2005 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Comunidades Europeas - Medidas relacionadas con la protección de las marcas de fábrica o de comercio y las indicaciones geográficas en el caso de los productos agrícolas y los productos alimenticios”.
India - Patent Protection for Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Chemical Products
On 7 April 1997 the US requested consultations with Japan in respect of the latter’s prohibition under quarantine measures of imports of certain agricultural products. The US alleged that Japan prohibits the importation of each variety of a product requiring quarantine treatment until the quarantine treatment has been tested for that variety even if the treatment has proved to be effective for other varieties of the same product. The US alleged violations of Articles 2 5 and 8 of the SPS Agreement Article XI of GATT 1994 and Article 4 of the Agreement on Agriculture. In addition the US made a claim for nullification and impairment of benefits.
Canada - Durée de la protection conférée par un brevet
Le 05 mai 2000 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Canada - Durée de la protection conférée par un brevet”.
Canadá - Período de protección mediante patente
El 18 de septiembre de 2000 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Canadá - Período de protección mediante patente”.