The World Intellectual Property Organization An Organization for the future.. Welcome

Presentation History of Int’l IP System WIPO Today WIPO’s Main Activities

Milestones : 1883 to 2004 Paris Convention Berne Convention Madrid Agreement BIRPI Hague Agreement BIRPI moves to Geneva WIPO Convention WIPO established PCT Madrid Protocol Internet Treaties

Status: An int’l intergovernmental organization Member States: 183 Staff: 915 from 94 countries Treaties Administered: 24 Decisions by: GA, CC, WIPO Conference Guiding Principles: Transparency, Accountability, Consensus To promote the protection of IP rights worldwide and extend the benefits of the international IP system to all member States WIPO’s Mission: Basic Facts about WIPO

Intellectual Property: A Tool for Development “In the age of the knowledge economy, the efficient and creative use of knowledge is a key determinant of international competitiveness, wealth creation and improved social welfare.” “An effective intellectual property (IP) system embedded within a national strategy which anchors IP considerations firmly within the policy-making process will help a nation to promote and protect its intellectual assets, thereby driving economic growth and wealth creation.” Kamil Idris WIPO Director General

Strategic Goals n Promotion of an IP culture –build a foundation for more solid & extensive IP culture –better understanding & use of IP system. –Greater respect for IP rights n IP policies as part of Nat’l Dvpt. Strategies n Development of balanced IP laws responsive to emerging needs n Delivery of quality global IP protection systems n Enhanced Access to IP System –practical solutions to empower all stakeholders to develop, protect, enforce, manage and commercially exploit IPRs for development

Outreach Intellectual Property Offices Public Sector & Policy-Makers General Public & Civil Society Building awareness

WIPO’s Activities Norm- Setting Services to Industry Economic Development

n AIM: Progressive development of international IP law for an IP system that is: –balanced/responsive to emerging needs –effective in encouraging innovation/creativity –sufficiently flexible to accommodate national policy objectives n Address/provide info. on current & emerging issues in IP - (review/discussion of topical issues in standing committees). Norm Setting

A Success Story: Functional challenges: (success has generated operational issues) Political challenges: (greater public scrutiny) > Clarify current/emerging issues > Discuss improvements in op. principles/practice > Address issues in line with national/international economic development strategies Aim: Take into account interests of all stakeholders. A system that is balanced, reliable, swift, user-friendly, accessible,cost-effective atents

Norm Setting opyright & Related Rights: - encourage broader use of system - ensure it is in line with digital environ. Priorities: Implementation of WCT/WPPT ( major step forward in updating CR at international level) Build consensus on topical issues

Norm Setting Tools for domestic/international commerce, marketing strategies n Develop int’l TM law (TLT Revision) n Legal advice n Promote convergence of admin. practices n Soft Law approach n Promote dvpt./use of registration systems rademarks, Designs, Geographical Indications

Norm Setting Traditional Knowledge, Access to Genetic Resources, Folklore Aim: Generate practical benefits from using IPS/use IP assets to support socio-ec. development, cultural integrity of communities/address concerns of indigenous peoples, etc Genetic Resources & Benefit Sharing Traditional Knowledge & Innovations. IGC (2000): Int’l Forum for tackling issues at several interlocking levels IGC (2000): Int’l Forum for tackling issues at several interlocking levels debating broad policy and legal questions; sharing practical experience; and developing practical tools and mechanisms Current situation: Maturing process - common objectives/ core principles. WIPO GA: new mandate - international dimension/no outcome excluded

Economic Development To maximize strategic use of IP for development by: - updating IP legislation - upgrading IP infrastructure - demystifying IP - promoting understanding of policy options offered by IPS Approach: tailored to specific national needs (NFAPs, etc. via regional offices) Focus Shift: deliverables, capitalize on assistance rendered.

Emphasis on …. n Networks - synergistic relationships n Outreach n Training n Collective Copyright Management Organizations n Innovation Promotion

n Distance Learning Program n Professional Training n Policy Dvpt., Tchg & Rsrch n Approach: Training trainers n Partnerships with Academic Institutions/IGOs/NGOs - synergies for dvpt. n Joint programs/publications, promo. materials WIPO Worldwide Academy Training

Economic Development Innovators & SMEs n Dynamic Economic Sector n Aim: improve IP awareness to enable formulation & implementation of: –policies; –programs; –strategies to enhance strategic use of IP assets by innovators/SMEs e.g. licensing agreements; finance; IP information to monitor competitors, etc.

Services I. Enhancement of global protection systems to further simplify and reduce costs of obtaining protection in multiple countries for: PATENTS (PCT): - PCT Reform - E-filing TRADEMARKS (MADRID) INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS (HAGUE) GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS (LISBON) MICRO-ORGANISMS (BUDAPEST)

The Patent Cooperation Treaty

Services Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) offered by WIPO Arbitration & Mediation Center - tailor- made D R procedures, e.g.: - UDRP criteria: - identical/confusingly similar - legitimate interest - bad faith - cost-effective and expeditious procedure (see - WIPO Trademark Database Portal (

WIPO’s Income Total: 531 M CHF

The World Intellectual Property Organization Thank you