NGO against Counterfeiting and Piracy Watch-List
A group of NGOs sent the letter to EU Trade Commissioner where they opposed the proposal to create a list of countries that do not adequately protect EU IP (“Counterfeiting and Piracy Watch-List”). In support of their allegations they raised the concern that this kind of list would have chilling effect on the developing countries and would be against WTO rules about IP. Specifically they state that the 1994 TRIPS agreement contains some flexibility for developing nations in order to can act in the public interest, such as the ability to issue compulsory licences to make available needed medicines that are under patent and unaffordable. They think that this list would be against such flexibility standard that should allow these countries to protect public health and to promote access to medicines.
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The GIP Digital Watch Observatory team, consisting of over 30 digital policy experts from around the world, excels in the fields of research and analysis on digital policy issues. The team is backed by the creative prowess of Creative Lab Diplo and the technical expertise of the Diplo tech team.