TWN Info Service on Intellectual Property Issues (Jul15/08)
28 July 2015
Third World Network

Dear friends and colleagues,

The 22^nd session of the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP) of the World Intellectual property Organization (WPO) is taking place on 27-31 July in Geneva.

On the agenda are: discussion on two studies (on what constitutes an “inventive step” and on sufficiency of disclosure in patent applications) under the agenda item on quality of patents including opposition systems; exceptions and limitations to patent rights; patents and health; confidentiality of communications between clients and their patent advisors; and transfer of technology.

The SCP was established in 1998 as a forum to discuss issues, facilitate coordination and provide guidance concerning the progressive international development of patent law including the harmonization of national laws and procedures. However, the overt attempt to harmonise patent law in a manner detrimental to public interests and development is on backburner due to resistance from developing countries.

We are pleased to share with you the attached statements made by Third World Network at the ongoing SCP session:

(a)  General Statement (27 July)

(b)  Statement on the study on inventive step (27 July)

(c)  Statement on the study on sufficiency of disclosure in patent applications (28 July)

(d)  Statement on exceptions and limitations (28 July)

(e)  Statement on Patents and Public Health (28 July).

(f)  Statement on  Revision of 1979 WIPO Model Law (29 July).

(g)  Statement on Opposition System (29 July).

For more on the two studies related to quality of patents including opposition systems please see: Patent law committee to discuss studies on inventive step and disclosure, TWN Info Service of 27 July.

With best wishes,

Third World Network