Month: November 2017

This month we thought it might be informative to spotlight IP social justice legal issues and developments arising in other countries.  We have provided links below to various relevant articles, which we hope you'll find of interest.

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1. Copyright Implications of Renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”) – In May 2017, the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) published a request for comments on the Trump administration objectives for renegotiation of NAFTA.  Here are links that discuss some of the comments submitted on copyright and social justice concerns.

Re:Create Coalition: What They’re Saying: Protecting A Balanced Copyright System In NAFTA Renegotiations

Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property (“PIJIP”):  Copyright Balance as a NAFTA Negotiating Objective: Testimony to the Trade Policy Staff Committee

Creative Commons:  Is Re-negotiating NAFTA Opening Pandora’s Box?

2.  Updates on the Marrakesh (“Books for the Blind”) Treaty – In May we included an article announcing that the Electronic Information for Libraries (“EIFL”) library guide to the Marrakesh Treaty for persons with print disabilities is now available six languages: English, French, Lithuanian, Russian, Serbian, and Nepali.  This month we bring some links for background on the treaty as well as an update on the status in the EU.

World Intellectual Property Organization (“WIPO”):  The Marrakesh Treaty In Action

WIPO:  Stevie Wonder to UN Member States: Help Others Beat the Odds Like I Did, Join Marrakesh Treaty

Intellectual Property Watch:  EU Parliament Adopts Marrakesh Treaty; Blind Union Prepared To Fight Publisher ‘Compensation’

3.  Copyright Reform in South Africa - The South African Parliament published a pending Bill amending the Copyright Act and a request for comments.  Click here to read the pending Bill.

IP Watch:  Lessons From South Africa: Protecting Non-Expressive Uses In Copyright Reform

Infojustice:  Comments on South Africa's Copyright Amendment Bill (B13-2017)

4.  Other Articles of Interest

Infojustice, reposted from EIFL:  Course Packs for Education Ruled Legal in India

Public Knowledge:  Net Neutrality Challenges in the World: Zero-Rating in the European Union

Reposted by Infojustice:  German Federal Court of Justice Grants Compulsory License in Preliminary Proceedings

Follow-up on Matal v. Tam – Last month we discussed the U.S. Supreme Court decision on the disparagement provision in the Trademark Act.  As a follow-up, we recommend listening to the National Public Radio podcast Code Switch on July 5:  The Supreme Court Decides In Favor Of A Racial Slur...Now What?

Is there an IP social justice development or issue that you think might interest other IIPSJ readers?  Please let us know - and as always, we look forward to your comments and questions.

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