[Ip-health] Musical Chairs doesn't disrupt policy discussion at IGWG

[ben.krohmal@cptech.org]

Musical Chairs doesn't disrupt policy discussion at IGWG

While the highlight of this morning's IGWG session was the statement of
Iran on behalf of the Eastern Mediteranian Regional Organization (EMRO),
the session began and ended with disputes over seating arrangements
(statement link forthcoming). It had been suggested that seating be
switched from a quasi-alphabetical setup to one with members of each
regional group seated together. The U.S. delegation expressed approval for
the proposal on the condition that new seating blocks include only member
states, while Finland, on behalf of the EU, insisted that the European
Commission delegation be permitted to sit with the EURO regional group. As
the meeting reconvenes, seating has been rearranged, and the U.S. appears
to have won out for now as the European Commission is still seated at the
back.

There was concern that squabbles over seating would dominate the afternoon
session, but Thailand and India have gotten discussion underway with
strong policy based statements. Following a metaphor about a sparrow made
by the Chair, Thailand declaired that in this case, "The small sparrow is
not afraid of the eagle." India followed with a statement in support of a
"treaty arrangement" and supported EMRO's call for further discussion of
alternative incentives for R&D. Norway then reminded member states that IP
flexibilities in the TRIPS Agreement go beyond just paragraph 6, which was
followed by a helpful elaboration by a WTO representative. This represents
an expansion of discussion on TRIPS flexibilities beyond the narrow focus
in several previous statements, particularly by the European Commission. A
very strong start for the afternoon session.


link:
http://www.cptech.org/blogs/ipdisputesinmedicine/2006/12/musical-chairs-doesnt-disrupt-policy.html