The Intellectual Property Rights Reform initiative of the Information Program uses grant making to support work which will strengthen a vibrant knowledge ecology based on a balance between private property rights and the commons. Such knowledge ecology is significant to a thriving public sphere, an effective education system, the advancement of the sciences as well as the development of open societies.
Intellectual property rights (IPRs) govern the ownership and control of knowledge. IPRs are a powerful means to restrict the access, exchange and creation of knowledge and knowledge-based good or conversely to enable equitable access and ensure creativity and innovation.
IPRs, most importantly copyright and patents, affect everything right from patterns of economic growth, to affordable and free communications on the internet to the availability and price of textbooks, scientific journals, software and drugs.
Motivated by a concern about the emergence of a new, unbalanced global IP regime in recent years, the Information Program’s Intellectual Property Reform Initiative has emphasized on the reform of WIPO, and will continue to fund work in this area. Owing to this work, a coalition of groups supported by the Information Program scored several victories as the adoption of the WIPO Development Agenda – which have begun to shift the course at WIPO.
Fair use rights (also known as copyright limitations and exceptions) are essential to enabling access to knowledge, including for disadvantaged groups as the visually impaired. However, many countries in the Global South have weak fair use rights hampering access to education and research. Moreover, these rights are being increasingly curtailed as digital formats and platforms begin to dominate knowledge dissemination. In 2012-13, the Information Program will continue to support efforts that will advance international reforms to strengthen fair use rights including the WIPO Treaty for the Visually Impaired. IPR also support advocacy for fair use rights in national, regional and multilateral foray.
Another major concern is the current IPR enforcement agenda being advanced at different levels of policy making. The proposed policies are often negotiated in secret and would, if adopted, violate fundamental human rights as well as due process protections. The Information Program will support efforts that will advocate for transparency in the IPR policy making process; educate policy makers and the interested public about the threat of widespread “collateral damage” posed by some of the more radical IP enforcement proposals; and promote alternative models for the remuneration of creativity.
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