[Sigiii-l] [Plaza] An indirect input

[Michel J. Menou]

Just got from scidevnet the annoucement below which, I feel, brings
some light into that corner of the global information society

Best regards,
 
Michel


Title Knowledge: Common Heritage, Not Private Property
Dates November 10
Type Meeting
Location London, United Kingdom
Organiser(s) Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR)
http://www.sgr.org.uk/SciencPolicy/

Description Is it right that gene sequences evolved in nature over
billions of years can become the private property of whoever wins the
race to the patent office? Is it right that public domain software can
be privatised by someone who makes a trivial change and slaps on a
patent? Who "owns" and who has access to the vast collections of data
now held about everyone? Is it fair that traditional knowledge can be
patented by corporations, or is this a form of piracy?

The tendency to commodify has reached an alarming pitch, and no areas
of knowledge are immune. SGR together with the Institute of Science in
Society, the International Network of Engineers and Scientists, the
Tebtebba Foundation (International Centre for Research, Education and
Capacity Building for Indigenous Peoples) and the Third World Network
are developing a Convention on Knowledge that addresses these and
related problems.

As well as summarising the problems, the draft Convention suggests
ideas for an alternative way forward, encouraging an attitude to
knowledge that will help us all to live more equitably and sustainably
with nature and with each other.

If you are concerned about the enclosure of the knowledge commons,
this meeting is for you.
Registration £6-12 (see website)
E-mail info at sgr.org.uk
Information A limited number of speaking slots (ten minutes including
discussion time) are available. Submissions may be made at any time
until 1 November, and will (if accepted) be allocated on a 'first
come, first served' basis.
Other sponsors UNESCO