A seemingly remote African Union proposal to create a Pan-African Intellectual Property Organization appears to have gained momentum and will come before African science and technology ministers for review in early November, according to sources. A copy of the final draft statutes shows how the new body would operate, and for some observers, how it would elevate African IP standards well above current levels, with “disastrous consequences” for access, development, and human rights.  This might be of interest to Kictanet members, see http://www.ip-watch.org/2012/09/27/move-toward-new-pan-african-ip-organisation-alarms-observers/?utm_source=weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alerts

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Jaco DU TOIT

Adviser for Communication & Information

UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa

United Nations Avenue, UNON, Gigiri (Room C-104)

P.O. Box 30592-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 (0)20 762 2346/2566

Fax +254 (0)20 762 2750

Mobile: +254 (0)728 610 912

Email:j.dutoit@unesco.org,
Website: http://www.unesco-nairobi.org