June 2006 TRIPS Council

Thanks to IPWatch for timely and full reports on this. Two main themes, neither entirely surprising in terms of issue or outcome.

The EU has pressed for further action to be taken in respect of enforcement of IP in respect of (at least at present) counterfeiting and piracy. But while this may seem the less controversial aspect of IP enforcement from the developed country perspective, some developing countries sought at least further detail and objected to movement from the development agenda of the Doha Round. Australia and Switzerland sensibly pointed out the risk of overlap with WIPO - although, of course, this objection could be made in respect of all WTO IP activity.

The next issue was the fate of the CBD in terms of TRIPS, restrictions on patenting and disclosure of origin. Lots of discussion, not a lot of action - or consensus as to direction.