The SCT was created in 1998 to serve as a forum to discuss issues, facilitate coordination and provide guidance on the progressive development of international law on trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications, including the harmonization of national laws and procedures.
Participation in the SCT is open to all member states of WIPO or the Paris Union for the Protection of Industrial Property as members. A special rule of procedure extends membership without the right to vote to the European Union. In addition, member states of the United Nations that are not members of WIPO or the Paris Union, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations accredited with observer status at WIPO may participate in the Committee in an observer capacity .
The Electronic Forum was established in 1998 in order to accelerate the deliberations and discussions of the SCT. It enables the electronic distribution, and submission by e-mail of comments concerning, preliminary draft working documents and draft reports. The Electronic Forum is open to all States members of the SCT and all interested States, international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations which have observer status in the SCT.
WIPO-administered treaties relevant to the work of the SCT include:
These joint recommendations respond to trends and developments in international trademark law:
WIPO’s database on ‘Temporary Protection for Designs Shown at International Exhibitions’ contains information – provided by members of the SCT – ranging from duration, nature, and benefits of temporary protection, through to the requirements for, and evidence to support, such protection.
WIPO's Geographical Indications Information Database provides access to:
The SCT was created in 1998 to serve as a forum to discuss issues, facilitate coordination and provide guidance on the progressive development of international law on trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications, including the harmonization of national laws and procedures.
Participation in the SCT is open to all member states of WIPO or the Paris Union for the Protection of Industrial Property as members. A special rule of procedure extends membership without the right to vote to the European Union. In addition, member states of the United Nations that are not members of WIPO or the Paris Union, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations accredited with observer status at WIPO may participate in the Committee in an observer capacity.
March 25, 2025 (Geneva, Switzerland) 15:00 - 18:00 Geneva time
March 24 to March 27, 2025 (Geneva, Switzerland) 10:00 - 18:00 Geneva time
WIPO's Geographical Indications Information Database provides access to: