SciDev.Net

Strong intellectual property rights do not always ease the transfer of climate technologies and may even hinder it, claims a study.

Patent applications can be filed and processed in Arabic for the first time, thanks to the newly enhanced status of Egypt's patent office.

South African researchers are probing the AIDS-fighting potential of local plants, signalling a new alliance with healers.

The African Union looks set to demand US$67 billion a year for technology transfer, training of scientists and data collection.

Patent offices in developing countries will be able to consult key science and technology journals under a new scheme.

Colombia's vice-president has given new impetus to the country's innovation system — a move well received by the scientific community.

Brazil's strategy for tackling HIV/AIDS — including the production of generic drugs — is an example to the developing world, say researchers.

A successful bid by Peru to block patents based on its indigenous knowledge could inspire other nations in the fight against biopiracy.

An Indian online forum has launched a second petition to encourage access to information in the country's patent system.

Xechem has had its licence to produce a drug based on traditional Nigerian plant medicine withdrawn.

The Indian government has made thousands of traditional medicines public property to curb patents by foreign companies.

GlaxoSmithKline's change in neglected disease policy — offering patents, research facilities and low drug prices — has not pleased everyone.

Peru has modified its intellectual property laws to bolster a trade deal with the US — but critics say the move could encourage biopiracy.

The region of Cusco in Peru has enacted a law banning the use and patenting of natural resources without local permission.

China has amended its patent law to meet international standards and encourage innovation.

Plans to present an Indian patent bill modelled on the Bayh-Dole Act have been postponed after the Mumbai terror attacks.

African science leaders say an intellectual property blueprint will not work in its current form.

Laws to ensure native communities retain the rights to local knowledge are in reality a barrier to progress, says a report.

Concerns have been raised that India's proposed patent law will not encourage scientists to carry out neglected disease research.

Ecuadorian researchers disagree with an article in the new constitution that bans patenting products related to the country's biodiversity.