NOPR Collection:

Computer Related Inventions (CRIs) revisited by Indian Patent Office – Finalizing the CRI Guidelines – Third Attempt

2016-07-20T05:49:20Z

Title: Computer Related Inventions (CRIs) revisited by Indian Patent Office – Finalizing the CRI Guidelines – Third Attempt Authors: Wilson, Neeti Abstract: The latest news in the Indian intellectual property scenario is on the changing stance of the Indian Patent Office on the patentability of Computer Related Inventions. The spotlight of March 2016 is on the new guidelines issued by the Indian Patent office for examination of the applications for patents related to inventions in the area of computers and software. Any comments or suggestions may be sent to IPneeti@outlook.com or neeti@anandandanand.com. Page(s): 117-119

Protecting R&D Inventions through Intellectual Property Rights

2016-07-20T05:44:55Z

Title: Protecting R&D Inventions through Intellectual Property Rights Authors: Manap, Nazura Abdul; Shapiee, Rohimi Bin; Tehrani, Pardis Moslemzadeh; Shariff, Ahmad Azam bin Mohd. Abstract: Intellectual property rights play an important role in socio-economic development. Countries attempt to have stronger IPR laws over their R&D outputs and other forms of technological development. The role of IPR is also significant in the protection of the results of research. Existing IPR tools which are devised by IPR experts at some level are difficult to use and handle. R&D outputs at national level can robust. This study elaborates on the need for intellectual property rights for R&D investors and the issues to be addressed in developing an appropriate IPR framework. For this purpose it will analyze the IPR provisions of the Horizon 2020 European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and the various issues involved. Page(s): 110-116

Investor-State Dispute Settlement Mechanism and Intellectual Property Matters

2016-07-20T05:41:06Z

Title: Investor-State Dispute Settlement Mechanism and Intellectual Property Matters Authors: Sharma, Apoorva Abstract: The proposed IP and Investment Chapters in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) and the recent North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) investor dispute notifications by Eli Lilly against Canada has initiated the discussion concerning the impact of introducing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the purview of investment chapters of trade agreements. These provisions protect the investor’s right to initiate dispute settlement proceedings against the foreign government under the international law by reasoning that the new law harms their present and future profits. However, on the other hand, it also undermines the ability of the national government to introduce domestic laws for the well being of its citizens, lest they be deemed as discriminatory by the foreign investors. In this paper, the effect of treating IP as an investment in the trade agreements and utilization of ISDS to resolve IP matters by way of analyzing the IPR cases will be examined that have been brought before the courts by the foreign investors in various countries. Page(s): 105-109

Adoption of Plant Breeders’ Rights System: Perceived Implication for Food, Seed Security and Sovereignty in Ghana

2016-07-20T05:52:19Z

Title: Adoption of Plant Breeders’ Rights System: Perceived Implication for Food, Seed Security and Sovereignty in Ghana Authors: Bortey, H. M.; Mpanju, F. Abstract: This study assessed the level of awareness and knowledge among major stakeholders in the relevant sectors of agriculture on the Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBRs) Bill of Ghana and review the potential implication of adopting the PBRs system on food and seed security in Ghana based on stakeholders’ perception and case studies from other countries already implementing a PVP system. A field survey was conducted to administer questionnaires to participants comprising plant breeders, farmers, the general public, seed companies and Seed Producers Association, legal practitioners, National Research Institutions and the Registrar General’s Department (proposed regulatory body). The second part of the study is a review of historical data on PBRs system impact studies in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. The primary data were analysed using mainly descriptive statistics, employing Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while the secondary data was analysed, contextualized and narrated. The current study confirmed the proposition that lack of and inadequate awareness and knowledge of the PBRs Bill among stakeholders could have stalled the passage of the Bill. Majority of farmers (61%) were not aware of the existence of the PBRs Bill and as high as between 70-79% lacked knowledge or understanding of the basic provisions of the PBR Bill, including the “farmers’ privilege” provision. Six out of ten (63%) farmers in Ghana continue to rely on their saved seeds, exchange or purchase from local grain markets for planting with only 12% purchasing seeds from Agro-dealer shops. The adoption of PBRs system in Ghana has the potential to improve the seed and food security system provided the recommendations offered by various stakeholders are thoughtfully considered. Page(s): 96-104