The global voice for consumers La voix des Consommateurs à travers le monde La voz global para la defensa de los consumidores

Introducing Consumers International's Access to Knowledge Projects Indrani Thuraisingham Head, Consumers International Kuala Lumpur Office 17 February 2009

About Consumers International Consumers International (CI) is the only independent global campaigning voice for consumers. Founded in 1960 with over 220 member organisations in 115 countries We are building a powerful international consumer movement to help protect and empower consumers everywhere.

CI's interest in IPRs and Access to Knowledge The global consumer movement needs a voice in the forums where decisions are being made Intellectual property is a consumer issue Access to educational materials Making fair use of culture in creative work Use of purchased media uninhibited by DRM

CI's previous work on IPRs and A2K supported by IDRC Copyright and Access to Knowledge (2006) – Policy Recommendations on Flexibilities in Copyright Laws in 11 Asia-Pacific countries 3 in-country case studies on access barriers and available flexibilities in copyright law Studies on access to the Internet and law reform proposals in Malaysia and Indonesia Research on Digital Rights Management

Global Consumer Dialogue and Public Education Network Funded by Ford Foundation over two years Aims to bolster consumer voices in IP negotiations Development of a strategic plan on IP for the consumer movement for the next 2-3 years Knowledge-sharing Web site to build capacity of members and like-minded organisations on A2K, IP and communications rights

Access to Knowledge Watch List Funded by Open Society Institute (OSI) Ranks countries by how harmful their intellectual property regimes are to consumers A counterpart to the US Trade Representative's Special 301 Report highlighting weak IP protection Members will help research about 25 countries

Upcoming regional meetings Asia-Pacific meeting in February 2008 Latin American meeting planned for March African meeting planned for May Agenda includes: – Orientation on Watch List and survey research – Development of strategic plan

Thank You !