Africa IP Forum, Postponed Over NGO Objections, Set for Feb. 26

[14/02/13]

South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry has rescheduled a conference on IP issues that was postponed last year because of strong objections from a variety of non- governmental organizations. 

The conference, organized by the U.S. Commerce Department together with the World Intellectual Property Organization, was originally set for April 2012 in Cape Town, South Africa. It was put on hold after many objections were raised that it put too much emphasis on enforcement. 

Among the organizations that raised objections were Electronic Information for Libraries; Consumers International; the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development, Uganda; and Knowledge Ecology International. 

Global Health Watch, a coalition of public health experts, NGOs, community groups, health workers and academics, said in a statement that last year’s proposed conference failed to address conflict of interest, lacked a development and public interest intention, and lacked transparency and information. 

The conference is now set for Feb. 26 and 27 in Midrand, South Africa, which is between Pretoria and Johannesburg. According to a statement from the Department of Trade and Industry, the conference will now “ emphasize the successes, challenges and strategies in the establishment of IP regimes that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, and improve trade and investment, while protecting public health and safety.” 

SOURCE:

BLOOMBERG [By Victoria Slind-Flor]