About Intellectual Property IP Training IP Outreach IP for… IP and... IP in... Patent & Technology Information Trademark Information Industrial Design Information Geographical Indication Information Plant Variety Information (UPOV) IP Laws, Treaties & Judgements IP Resources IP Reports Patent Protection Trademark Protection Industrial Design Protection Geographical Indication Protection Plant Variety Protection (UPOV) IP Dispute Resolution IP Office Business Solutions Paying for IP Services Negotiation & Decision-Making Development Cooperation Innovation Support Public-Private Partnerships The Organization Working with WIPO Accountability Patents Trademarks Industrial Designs Geographical Indications Copyright Trade Secrets WIPO Academy Workshops & Seminars World IP Day WIPO Magazine Raising Awareness Case Studies & Success Stories IP News WIPO Awards Business Universities Indigenous Peoples Judiciaries Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions Economics Gender Equality Global Health Climate Change Competition Policy Sustainable Development Goals Enforcement Frontier Technologies Mobile Applications Sports Tourism PATENTSCOPE Patent Analytics International Patent Classification ARDI – Research for Innovation ASPI – Specialized Patent Information Global Brand Database Madrid Monitor Article 6ter Express Database Nice Classification Vienna Classification Global Design Database International Designs Bulletin Hague Express Database Locarno Classification Lisbon Express Database Global Brand Database for GIs PLUTO Plant Variety Database GENIE Database WIPO-Administered Treaties WIPO Lex - IP Laws, Treaties & Judgments WIPO Standards IP Statistics WIPO Pearl (Terminology) WIPO Publications Country IP Profiles WIPO Knowledge Center WIPO Technology Trends Global Innovation Index World Intellectual Property Report PCT – The International Patent System ePCT Budapest – The International Microorganism Deposit System Madrid – The International Trademark System eMadrid Article 6ter (armorial bearings, flags, state emblems) Hague – The International Design System eHague Lisbon – The International System of Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications eLisbon UPOV PRISMA Mediation Arbitration Expert Determination Domain Name Disputes Centralized Access to Search and Examination (CASE) Digital Access Service (DAS) WIPO Pay Current Account at WIPO WIPO Assemblies Standing Committees Calendar of Meetings WIPO Official Documents Development Agenda Technical Assistance IP Training Institutions COVID-19 Support National IP Strategies Policy & Legislative Advice Cooperation Hub Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISC) Technology Transfer Inventor Assistance Program WIPO GREEN WIPO's Pat-INFORMED Accessible Books Consortium WIPO for Creators WIPO ALERT Member States Observers Director General Activities by Unit External Offices Job Vacancies Procurement Results & Budget Financial Reporting Oversight

Search Media Center

313 search results

New WIPO Data Show Intangible Asset Investment Growing Fast, Spreading Globally


Investment in intangible assets like brands, designs, data and software has grown three times faster over the past 15 years than investment in physical assets like factories and machinery, with Sweden, the US and France seeing the most-intensive activity and India trending upward, according to new data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

New WIPO Survey Reveals Global Perceptions and Awareness of IP


Two thirds of people questioned in a new global survey have a positive perception of the role that intellectual property (IP) plays in their economies, but younger people still lag in understanding IP, according to WIPO Pulse, a groundbreaking new survey into people’s attitudes toward IP.

World Intellectual Property Day 2023: New WIPO Data on Women Designers Underline Need for Increased Participation by Women in Innovation and Creativity


Women account for only around one in five designers behind the look and feel of products from simple packaging to mobile phones and automotive exteriors, according to new WIPO data released on World Intellectual Property Day, underlining the need to ramp up efforts to bridge a “gender gap” in intellectual property (IP)-backed innovation.

WIPO Invites Applicants for 2023 Global Awards Competition for SMEs


WIPO has opened the 2023 edition of its Global Awards program, seeking small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) candidates from around the world that use intellectual property (IP)-backed innovation and creativity in an exceptional manner to achieve business goals and improve society.

WIPO Member States Approve Diplomatic Conferences for Two Proposed Accords


WIPO member states today approved the convening of diplomatic conferences for two proposed international agreements: one pertaining to the protection of designs to ease cross border trade and a pact related to intellectual property (IP), genetic resources and traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources.

New COVID-19 Research: Universities and Research Organizations Highly Active in Vaccine Patenting During Pandemic's Early Days; China, U.S.-based Applicants Lead in Vaccine and Therapeutics Innovation


Universities and research organizations filed nearly as many patent applications as corporations for COVID-19 vaccines during the early months of the global pandemic, with China and U.S.-based innovators most actively patenting new anti-COVID19 vaccine and therapeutic technologies, according to a WIPO report on pandemic-era innovation trends released today.

WIPO Member States Consider 2022/23 Biennium Program of Work and Budget


WIPO Director General Daren Tang presented member states with the vision for the Organization over the coming half-decade, while projecting a healthy near-term financial position and unveiling new efforts to help ensure intellectual property (IP) and WIPO's work help the world recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joint Release by WHO, WTO and WIPO: Directors General of WHO, WIPO and the WTO Agree on Intensified Cooperation in Support of Access to Medical Technologies Worldwide to Tackle the Covid-19 Pandemic


The Directors General of WHO, WIPO and the WTO, agreed to enhance their support to members battling the pandemic by collaborating on a series of workshops to augment the flow of information on the pandemic and by implementing a joint platform for tripartite technical assistance to member governments relating to their needs for medical technologies. As a result of their meeting on 15 June, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Daren Tang and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala issued the following statement.

WIPO PROOF Obtains Important Certifications to International Standards


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) today announced that its newest digital business service, WIPO PROOF, has received important “trust service provider” certifications from two international organizations that set global technical standards for their domains.

Daren Tang Assumes Functions as WIPO Director General


Daren Tang, a national of Singapore, officially assumed his functions as Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization on October 1, 2020, starting a six-year mandate at the helm of the Organization.

WIPO’s Conversation on IP and AI to Continue as a Virtual Meeting


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) today published a revised issues paper on intellectual property policy and artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its ongoing consultation with stakeholders on the intersection of AI and IP policy and announced the dates of the rescheduled WIPO Conversation on Intellectual Property (IP) and Artificial Intelligence, which will take place online.

WIPO Update on Covid-19: IP Service Operations Continuing; Remote Work Prioritized


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) today announced that it was reserving access to its Geneva, Switzerland, headquarters for personnel essential to the delivery of the Organization’s business continuity protocol, while reassuring that processing of applications filed via WIPO’s Global IP Services has not been affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Global Innovation Index 2019: India Makes Major Gains as Switzerland, Sweden, U.S., Netherlands, U.K. Top Ranking; Trade Protectionism Poses Risks for Future Innovation


Switzerland is the world’s most-innovative country followed by Sweden, the United States of America (U.S.), the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (U.K.), according to the 2019 edition of the Global Innovation Index (GII), which also identifies regional leaders India, South Africa, Chile, Israel and Singapore, with China, Viet Nam and Rwanda topping their income groups.

WIPO Conference on the Global Digital Content Market Opens in New Delhi, India – Exploring the Impact of Digital Transformation in Asia-Pacific Region, Balancing Interests of Creators and Consumers


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry and Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Mr. Ramesh Abhishek today opened the 2018 WIPO Conference on the Global Digital Content Market, which is focused on promoting balance between creators and consumers of digital media in an increasingly worldwide economy for cultural products.

Global Innovation Index 2018: China Cracks Top 20. Top Rankings: Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, UK, Singapore, U.S.


China broke into the world’s top 20 most-innovative economies as Switzerland retained its number-one spot in the Global Innovation Index (GII) ranking published annually by Cornell University, INSEAD and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Rounding out the GII 2018 top ten: The Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Singapore, United States of America, Finland, Denmark, Germany and Ireland.

Global Innovation Index 2017: Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, USA, UK Top Annual Ranking


Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, the USA and the UK are the world’s most-innovative countries, while a group of nations including India, Kenya, and Viet Nam are outperforming their development-level peers, according to the Global Innovation Index 2017 co-authored by Cornell University, INSEAD and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

WIPO Adopts Open Access Policy for its Publications


The World Intellectual Property Organization today announced its new Open Access policy to promote the widest possible public access to its publications, furthering the Organization’s commitment to the dissemination and sharing of knowledge.

WIPO Develops Cutting-Edge Translation Tool For Patent Documents


The World Intellectual Property Organization has developed a ground-breaking new “artificial intelligence”-based translation tool for patent documents, handing innovators around the world the highest-quality service yet available for accessing information on new technologies.

WIPO Director General Hails a Success for Visually Impaired People and International Community as Marrakesh Treaty Enters Into Force


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry welcomed the entry into force of the Marrakesh Treaty which can now begin boosting the number of specially adapted texts for the benefit of blind and otherwise print-disabled people around the world. The “books for blind” treaty entered into force on September 30, 2016, three months after it gained the necessary 20 ratifications or accessions by WIPO member states.

Canada’s Accession to Marrakesh Treaty Brings Treaty into Force


Canada today became the key 20th nation to accede to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled, which will bring the Treaty into force in three month’s time on September 30, 2016.

Celebrate World Intellectual Property Day on April 26: “Digital Creativity: Culture Reimagined”


From Shakespeare to selfies, culture has changed over the centuries as creators have adapted new technologies to connect with ever-widening audiences. But few other shifts have had quite the impact of the digital creation and distribution of art, music, literature and other cultural outputs, which has fashioned new mass audiences while disrupting business models and pressuring many creators’ livelihoods. That’s why World IP Day 2016 is exploring “Digital Creativity: Culture Reimagined.”

Conference on the Global Digital Content Market Opens at WIPO


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry today opened the WIPO Conference on the Global Digital Content Market, outlining the rising stakes for creators and consumers as new technologies create mass audiences but disrupt business models.

U.S. Extends Lead in International Patent and Trademark Filings


The United States of America (U.S.) extended its long-standing position as the top source of international patent applications via WIPO amid another strong year of worldwide intellectual property (IP) filing growth, as an electronics manufacturer displaced a watch maker as the leading depositor of international industrial design applications.

Director General Francis Gurry Opens WIPO Assemblies


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry opened the WIPO Assemblies by saying that increasing interest in intellectual property is driving uptake of WIPO’s global IP systems and resulting in a healthy financial state for the Organization.

Global Innovation Index 2015: Switzerland, UK, Sweden, Netherlands, USA are Leaders


Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United States of America are the world’s five most innovative nations, according to the Global Innovation Index 2015 PDF, 2015 Global Innovation Index, while China, Malaysia, Viet Nam, India, Jordan, Kenya, and Uganda are among a group of countries outperforming their economic peers.

Fifty-Fourth WIPO Assemblies End


WIPO member states closed their Assemblies meetings late Tuesday after working through a full slate of activities including confirmation of a new senior management team and inauguration of a recently constructed conference hall.

WIPO Confirms New Senior Management Team


WIPO member states endorsed on Friday proposals by Director General Francis Gurry for a new senior management team, consisting of four deputy directors general and four assistant directors general.

WIPO Inaugurates New Conference Hall


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry, high-level members of the Swiss and Geneva governments, and the international intellectual property (IP) community inaugurated WIPO’s new conference hall Monday evening in a celebration that transformed the speakers’ dais into a soundstage featuring globally renowned musicians.

WIPO Director General Outlines Second Mandate Priorities


WIPO Director Francis Gurry pledged on Monday to continue to build on the successes achieved over the past six years in the Organization’s core programs – global intellectual property services, policy-making, capacity building, and technical infrastructure.

WIPO Assemblies


The WIPO Assemblies ended late on Wednesday night with agreement on many points on its agenda, but without reaching agreement on some important points, which have now been referred for decision to December 2013, when it was agreed that an extraordinary session of the Assemblies should be convened to consider the outstanding items.

World Intellectual Property Day Celebrates Tomorrow’s Creators


The theme of this year’s World Intellectual Property Day – Creativity – the next generation –honors the talented and ingenious creators and innovators who are imagining how the world will look tomorrow. Intellectual property offices, associations, businesses and technology institutions and students are organizing numerous activities to mark the day, including competitions, exhibitions and public discussions.

African Ministers Discuss Innovation and IP at WIPO Conference


Some twenty African ministers, senior policy makers and entrepreneurs joined President Jakaya Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania and WIPO Director General Francis Gurry at the opening of a two-day conference in Dar es Salaam to discuss the role of intellectual property (IP) in stimulating innovation and development. The conference, organized by WIPO and the Japan Patent Office in cooperation with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, is also addressing the importance of innovation in dealing with some of today’s most pressing global challenges, such as public health, food security and climate change.

WIPO Re:Search Marks One Year Anniversary with Significant Growth and Promise


One year after its launch, WIPO Re:Search has doubled its membership and resulted in ten research collaborations or agreements. WIPO Re:Search is a consortium where public and private sector organizations share valuable intellectual property (IP) and expertise with the global health research community to promote development of new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to treat neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and tuberculosis.

WIPO Director General Says IP Rules Should Provide Even Playing Field to Support Innovation


The determining position of intellectual property (IP) as a driver of innovation and competitive advantage – as evidenced by the growing number of “patent wars” in courts around the world – underlines the need for a rules-based international system aligned with today’s economic and technological realities, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry said today.

Update on Review of WIPO’s Technical Assistance Programs


Further to the press statement of July 19, 2012, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry has provided the following update on the actions being undertaken by the Organization in response to the concerns expressed by certain member states in relation to some of WIPO’s technical assistance programs.

Information and Clarifications Concerning WIPO’s Technical Assistance Programs


Following some recent media attention and requests for information from certain member states relating to WIPO’s technical assistance programs, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry provided the following information and clarifications concerning the actions that have been undertaken, or are being undertaken, by the Organization in relation to the provision of technical assistance to countries that are the subject of United Nations (UN) sanctions.

Egypt’s Culturama Projection at WIPO


WIPO will host a panoramic projection of the history of Egypt’s cultural heritage at its Geneva headquarters from July 10 to 20, 2012. Five presentations of the panoramic, interactive presentation, which takes the audience on a journey through time from the Pharaonic Period through contemporary times, will be organized daily.

EPO and WIPO Sign Agreement to Enhance Co-operation


With the aim of further developing the international patent system to better support innovation in economies around the globe, the European Patent Office (EPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have agreed on a comprehensive three-year technical co-operation scheme.

World Intellectual Property Day 2012 Celebrates Visionary Innovators


This year’s World Intellectual Property Day on April 26 celebrates visionary innovators - individuals whose ingenuity and artistry have broken molds, opened new horizons and made a lasting impact. Across the world, IP Offices, associations, businesses and technology institutions and students are organizing numerous activities to mark the day, including competitions, exhibitions and public discussions.

WIPO and UNIDO Agree to Strengthen Cooperation Activities


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry met on April 12, 2012 UNIDO Director General Kandeh Yumkella to discuss the strengthening of cooperation between the two organizations in areas relating to science and technology, innovation promotion, private sector development and trade capacity building.

Steve Jobs' IP on Display at WIPO


An exhibition showing the intellectual property (IP) behind Steve Jobs’ innovations opens to the public at WIPO on March 30, 2012 and will run through to World Intellectual Property Day on April 26, 2012. The exhibition ties in with this year’s World Intellectual Property Day theme – Visionary Innovators.

WIPO Welcomes Australian Donation to Support IP Capacity-Building Projects


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry has welcomed an Australian donation of AUD 2 million for projects to help developing and least developing countries (LDCs) build capacity in the field of intellectual property (IP) and ensure they were in a position to actively participate in the benefits of innovation and the knowledge economy.

WIPO Report Shows Growing Demand for IP Changes Face of Innovation


The World Intellectual Property Report 2011- The Changing Face of Innovation – a new WIPO publication – describes how ownership of intellectual property (IP) rights has become central to the strategies of innovating firms worldwide. With global demand for patents rising from 800,000 applications in the early 1980s to 1.8 million in 2009, the Report concludes that growing investments in innovation and the globalization of economic activities are key drivers of this trend.

Leading Pharmaceutical Companies & Research Institutions Offer IP and Expertise for use in Treating Neglected Tropical Diseases as Part of WIPO Re:Search


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in an unprecedented collaboration with leading pharmaceutical companies and BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH), launched today WIPO Re:Search, a new consortium where public and private sector organizations share valuable intellectual property (IP) and expertise with the global health research community to promote development of new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to treat neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and tuberculosis.

WIPO Assemblies Provide Direction for Future Work, Director General Welcomes Positive Engagement of Member States on Substantive Issues


Representatives of WIPO’s 184 member states, meeting at their annual Assemblies in Geneva from September 26 to October 5, 2011 took a landmark decision to call a diplomatic conference to agree an international treaty on the rights of performers in their audiovisual performances. They took stock of the Organization’s substantive work over the last year, provided direction for the future work program, and approved a program and budget for the Organization for the next biennium (2012/13). WIPO Director General Francis Gurry said this year’s Assemblies were characterized by a remarkable spirit of engagement and commitment by member states to address the pressing intellectual property (IP) issues on the global agenda and hoped this would continue.

Director General Welcomes Advances in Normative Agenda, Outlines Future Challenges


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry said today that the international intellectual property (IP) community faces three major challenges in the coming years – management of demand of IP applications, the migration of all cultural content to the Internet, and enhancing the capacity of least developed and developing countries to use the IP system for encouraging innovation and creativity. Mr. Gurry said that deep engagement and commitment would be required to address these challenges successfully. Mr. Gurry also welcomed progress in WIPO’s normative agenda, attributing this to closer collaboration and understanding among WIPO’s member states.

Barbara Hendricks Joins IP Community in Inauguration of New WIPO Building


Barbara Hendricks, one of the world’s leading opera singers and a best-selling recording artist, joined WIPO Director General Francis Gurry, high-level members of the Geneva and Swiss government, and the international intellectual property (IP) community tonight in inaugurating the new WIPO administration building. The new building, which looks onto Geneva’s Place des Nations, is the work of award-winning Behnisch Architekten of Stuttgart, Germany.

WIPO Conference to Address Role of Innovation in Meeting Climate Change Challenges


An international conference hosted by WIPO on July 11-12 will address the role of innovation and technology in the development and diffusion of green technologies to provide solutions to the challenges posed by climate change. The Conference on Innovation and Climate Change, which brings together major stakeholders – international organizations, government, industry, and civil society – will focus on innovation partnerships between the public and private sector to develop and diffuse relevant technologies. WIPO Director General Francis Gurry and Mr. Luis Alfonso de Alba, Ambassador, Special Representative for Climate Change, Mexico, will open the Conference.

Agreement with General Contractor Paves Way for Beginning of Conference Hall Construction


Construction work on a new conference hall for WIPO will begin later this summer following the signing this week of a contract with Swiss construction firm Implenia who has been selected by an international jury - composed of representatives of WIPO member states - to serve as general contractor. The conference hall is expected to be completed by mid-2013.

World Intellectual Property Day 2011 – Designing the Future


This year’s World Intellectual Property Day on April 26 celebrates the role of design in the market-place, in society and in shaping the innovations of the future. Across the world, IP Offices, associations, businesses and technology institutions have announced –through the WIPO website or through the IP Day Facebook page - numerous activities to mark the day, including competitions, exhibitions and public discussions.

WIPO to Support South American Countries in Regional Collaborative Project


WIPO has responded positively to a request by a group of nine South American countries – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Uruguay – to assist in their efforts to improve services to local and international users of the IP system, initially through sharing patent examination results and other intellectual property (IP) resources.

Technical Symposium to Address Access to Medicines, Patent Information and Freedom to Operate


The second in a series of joint - technical level - symposia organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) will be held at the WHO on February 18, 2011. This meeting, which will be opened by the Directors General of the three co-organizers – Mrs. Margaret Chan, Mr. Francis Gurry and Mr. Pascal Lamy – will be preceded on February 17, 2011 by a workshop at WIPO on patent searches and freedom to operate.

Global Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Congress to Meet in Paris


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry will be joined by his counterparts at INTERPOL, Mr. Ronald K. Noble, and the World Custom’s Organization (WCO), Mr. Kunio Mikuriya, as well as France’s Minister of Economy, Mrs. Christine Lagarde, at the opening of the Sixth Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy in Paris on February 2, 2011 to address the question of building respect for intellectual property in a balanced and sustainable way. A number of ministers from around the world are expected to attend the Congress, in addition to other top government officials and corporate leaders.

WIPO Director General Meets President of the Dominican Republic


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry met on November 30, 2010 with the President of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Leonel Fernández and addressed an audience of 200 people in the National Palace of the Republic. He focused on the innovation potential of the Dominican Republic and the strong collaborative initiatives that are underway in conjunction with WIPO, including in particular, support in designing and implementing a national innovation and intellectual property strategy, significant office automation and digitization projects, better use of trademarks and appellations of origin, and the development of a Start-up Intellectual Property Academy.

WIPO Director General Visits Beijing, Addresses International Copyright Forum


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry undertook an official visit to Beijing on November 18-19, 2010 during which he met Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Qishan to discuss a range of issues relating to intellectual property. During his visit, Mr. Gurry also opened a major International Copyright Forum and Expo on music at which he addressed the challenges confronting the music sector in the digital environment. These events were organized by WIPO in cooperation with the National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC).

WIPO and Serbia Sign Cooperation Agreement


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry concluded a two-day official visit to the Republic of Serbia on October 26, 2010 during which he met a number of high level Government representatives, including Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković. Mr. Gurry and the Prime Minister signed an agreement laying out a framework for collaboration between WIPO and Serbia.

Director General Concludes Official Visit to Algeria


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry concluded on October 18, 2010 a two-day official visit to Algeria during which he met with Government Ministers to discuss the role of intellectual property (IP) in stimulating innovation and development and ways to strengthen cooperation between WIPO and Algeria.

WIPO Launches New Customer Service Center


WIPO launched on October 1, 2010 a new Customer Service Center as part of its efforts to improve the Organization’s responsiveness to all its stakeholders – including member states, users of its global protection services and the general public. This is also in line with WIPO’s Strategic Realignment Program and contributes to realizing one of the Organization’s four core values, namely service orientation.

High Level Endorsement for WIPO’s Reform Agenda


Ministers and delegates from WIPO’s 184 member states, meeting at their annual Assemblies in Geneva from September 20 to 29, 2010, endorsed reforms led by Director General Francis Gurry and welcomed the new Medium Term Strategic Plan (MTSP), which sets the broad direction for the Organization through the next five years. The Assemblies had opened with an impassioned call from the legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, urging government representatives to reach agreement on enhanced accessibility of copyright content for persons with physical disabilities.

WIPO Launches New Database to Profile IP Case Studies


WIPO has launched IP Advantage, a new database which profiles the intellectual property (IP) experiences of inventors, creators, entrepreneurs, and researchers. This tool aims to promote a better understanding of how IP is created and protected, and how inventors, creators and society at large benefit from the IP system.

WIPO Director General highlights Link between Innovation and Development


The role of innovation in promoting economic growth and competitiveness as well as the significant changes in the dynamic global innovation landscape were the focus of remarks by WIPO Director General in his opening statement to the annual meetings of the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) which run from September 20 to 29, 2010. Mr. Gurry addressed his remarks to some 70 ministers who will be exploring the theme “Innovation, Growth and Development: The Role of Intellectual Property and Member States’ National Experiences in a two-day high-level ministerial segment.

WIPO Launches One-Stop Search & Reference Tool for IP Laws and Treaties


WIPO launched on September 20, 2010 WIPO Lex, an on-line global intellectual property (IP) reference resource which provides up-to-date information on national IP laws and treaties. This centralized search facility, which offers a user-friendly interface and functionalities, is in line with one of the Organization’s strategic goals, namely to serve as a world reference source for IP information and analysis.

WIPO Annual Assemblies to begin with High Level Segment on Innovation & Development


The annual meetings of WIPO member states begin on September 20, 2010 with a two-day high-level ministerial segment on the theme “Innovation, Growth and Development: The Role of Intellectual Property and Member States’ National Experiences.” Some 70 ministers have confirmed their participation in the event, reflecting the importance of intellectual property (IP) in senior policy-making spheres.

WIPO and CERN Sign Cooperation Agreement


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry and the Director General of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Professor Rolf-Dieter Heuer, signed an agreement on August 20, 2010 designed to strengthen collaboration between the two organizations.

WIPO Director General Holds High Level Talks in Bangladesh, Addresses LDCs Forum


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry wrapped up a three day official visit to Dhaka on July 20, 2010 during which he held a series of high level meetings, including with the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Talks focused on ways to enhance cooperation between WIPO and Bangladesh as well as a range of issues of interest to least developed countries as a whole. Mr. Gurry also presented to the Prime Minister the results of a WIPO-commissioned study on traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) of Bangladesh.

WIPO and Ukraine Agree on Closer Collaboration


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry wrapped up an official visit to Ukraine this week (June 29 to July 1, 2010) during which he met a number of high level Government representatives, including Mr. Volodymyr Semynozhenko, Vice Prime Minister and Mr. Dmytro Tabachnyk, Minister for Education and Science.

Director General Concludes Round of Meetings with Top Tunisian Officials


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry concluded on June 8, 2010 a two-day official visit to Tunisia during which he met Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi to discuss the role of intellectual property (IP) in stimulating innovation and development and ways to strengthen cooperation between WIPO and Tunisia.

WIPO Launches Global On-line Resource to Facilitate Access to IP Information


WIPO launched on June 1, 2010, WIPO GOLD, a free, on-line global intellectual property (IP) reference resource that provides quick and easy access to a broad collection of searchable IP data and tools relating to, for example, technology, brands, designs, statistics, WIPO standards, IP classification systems and IP laws and treaties.

IP Can Support Biodiversity


On the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) on May 22, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry underlined the Organization’s commitment to ensuring that the intellectual property system plays a positive role in safeguarding biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components and the sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

WIPO Marks World Environment Day with its first-ever Open Day on June 5, 2010


On Saturday, June 5, 2010, which coincides with World Environment Day, WIPO will for the first time open its doors to the public at large. This will provide an opportunity for the Organization to showcase its activities and demonstrate how its work helps contribute to human and social progress.

WIPO Unveils New Logo


WIPO unveiled its new logo on April 26, 2010 – a date which marks the 40th anniversary of the entry into force of the WIPO Convention and the 10th anniversary of World Intellectual Property Day. The new logo forms the cornerstone of a new visual identity for the Organization, in line with the new directions being taken to keep pace with the rapid evolution of intellectual property in the 21st century.

Roundtable to Address Economics of IP


WIPO is to launch the first in a series of seminars on “The Economics of Intellectual Property” on March 26, 2010. The event will feature leading economists from around the world and is designed to stimulate and inform international debate on the linkages between intellectual property (IP) protection and economic development.

Director General Wraps up Official Visit to Japan


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry wrapped up an official visit to Japan from March 1 to March 5, 2010, during which he met a number of high level Government representatives, including Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Masayuki Naoshima, and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Koichi Takemasa, as well as Japan Patent Office (JPO) Commissioner Tetsuhiro Hosono.

WIPO Pledges Support for Viet Nam


The importance of intellectual property (IP) in promoting innovation and boosting national economic development in Viet Nam topped discussions between Viet Nam’s President Nguyen Minh Triet and WIPO Director General Francis Gurry in Hanoi this week. Mr. Gurry pledged the Organization’s continuing support in further enhancing Viet Nam’s national IP capacity to innovate and achieve sustained economic growth.

PCT Billing Scam Stopped by Florida Attorney General


A Florida-based company (“Federated Institute for Patent and Trademark Registry”) was this month found to have violated the state's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act by sending out by mass mail misleading “invoices” to patent and trademark applicants—including users of WIPO’s Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) which facilitates the process of seeking international patent protection.

Italy Boosts Contribution to WIPO


The Government of Italy announced on December 10, 2009 that it will build on its extra-budgetary contributions to WIPO with an additional one million Euros. The announcement was made by Italy’s Secretary or State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Vincenzo Scotti, and Mr. Giussepe Tripoli, Chief of Department, Ministry of Economic Development at an international conference in Rome, organized jointly by WIPO and Italy’s National Council for Economies and Labor (CNEL) with the participation of CNEL President Antonio Marzano and WIPO Director General Francis Gurry.

Counterfeiting and Piracy Endangers Global Economic Recovery say Global Congress leaders


Top government officials, business leaders and senior law enforcement authorities meeting in Cancún, Mexico urged national and international political and business leaders to step up actions against counterfeiting and piracy to help boost global economic recovery. The call for increased action came at the close of the Fifth Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy held in Cancún from 1-3 December.

Global Congress Calls for Co-ordinated Response to Counterfeits Threat


Senior decision makers from governments, law enforcement, customs and the private sector are gathering in Cancun for the Fifth Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy to identify solutions to the worldwide trade in fake products which pose a threat to health and the global economy.

WIPO Director General Stresses Role of Innovation in Addressing Global Challenges at WTO Ministerial


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry, speaking at the opening of the World Trade Organization (WTO) seventh ministerial conference in Geneva on November 30, 2009, underlined the importance of innovation in dealing with some of today’s most pressing global challenges – economic recovery and climate change. He further pledged the Organization’s commitment in assisting countries to develop national innovation strategies.

WIPO Director General Applauds Lebanon’s IP Efforts


At a meeting on October 12, 2009 in Beirut, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry and President Michel Suleiman of Lebanon discussed the pivotal role of balanced national intellectual property (IP) regimes in promoting development, as well as WIPO’s capacity building activities in Lebanon.

WIPO Assemblies Provide Direction for Next Biennium


WIPO member states, at their annual Assemblies from September 22 to October 1, 2009, signaled strong support for the Organization’s strategic realignment with the endorsement of a program and budget for the 2010/11 biennium that boosts WIPO’s development-related activities, emphasizes the need to advance the Organization’s normative work, and further upgrades its services to the private sector. The member states also agreed to renew the mandate of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property, Traditional Knowledge, Folklore and Genetic Resources (IGC).

Ministerial Segment Endorses WIPO’s Engagement with Global Challenges


Government ministers participating in the first-ever High Level Segment of the Assemblies of the member states of WIPO on September 22 and 23, 2009, endorsed WIPO’s progress toward its strategic goals, which they said marked a new era for the Organization and its ability to ensure that the intellectual property (IP) system helps meet an increasing number of global challenges. They emphasized that IP is now widely perceived as a key policy tool to promote public interest, innovation and technological progress.

WIPO Director General Underlines Role of IP in meeting Global Public Policy Challenges


In his opening statement to the annual meetings of the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Director General Francis Gurry called on member states to work together to ensure that the IP system serves as a stimulus for developing solutions to the global challenges confronting policy makers across the world.

First Ever High Level Ministerial Segment to Kick-off WIPO Assemblies


For the first time, the annual meetings of WIPO member states will begin with a two-day high-level ministerial segment reflecting the importance of intellectual property (IP) in senior policy-making spheres. The high-level segment on September 22 and 23, 2009 will bring together over forty ministers who will address national IP priorities.

WIPO Director General underlines role of IP in Mitigating Climate Change


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry welcomed on Friday the adoption of the Global Framework for Climate Services to strengthen production, availability, delivery and application of science-based climate predictions, information and services and underscored the contribution that intellectual property can make in mitigating the climate change.

WIPO Symposium to Address Operational Deficiencies in Global IP Systems


An international symposium in Geneva on September 17 and 18, 2009 will address the need to improve the interface between national intellectual property (IP) systems to overcome operational inefficiencies arising largely from growing demand for IP rights. The event will foster public-private dialogue and aims to strengthen ties between IP service providers (national IP authorities) and their clients (industry), to highlight the concerns of the user community and the need to re-engineer IP systems to reduce bottlenecks which are slowing the pace of innovation that is key to economic growth.

WIPO Director General Meets Prime Minister of Singapore


At a meeting on July 28, 2009, WIPO Director General, Mr. Francis Gurry and the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, discussed issues relating to Asia’s growing importance in the international intellectual property system, WIPO’s capacity building activities in the South East Asian region, climate change and the role of intellectual property, and the role of balanced national intellectual property regimes in promoting development and growth. The Director General and the Prime Minister emphasized the fruitful cooperation between WIPO and Singapore, as evidenced by the recent strengthening of the WIPO Singapore Office.

LDCs Reaffirm Commitment to Integrating IP in National Development Strategies


Ministers from least-developed countries (LDCs), senior government officials and heads of regional intellectual property (IP) organizations reaffirmed their commitment to integrating intellectual property (IP) and innovation strategies into their national development planning during a High Level Forum on the Strategic Use of Intellectual Property for Prosperity and Development organized by WIPO on July 23 and 24, 2009. The ministers also discussed the challenges facing LDCs in this area, in particular the difficulties for LDCs to obtain better access to technological information.

Member States Endorse Senior Appointments


A key WIPO decision-making body, meeting on June 15-16, 2009, endorsed proposals by Director General Francis Gurry for a new senior management team, consisting of four Deputy Directors General (DDG) and three Assistant Directors General (ADG).

WIPO Takes Stock of Latest H1N1 Developments


A special task force set up by WIPO Director General Francis Gurry to monitor the progression of influenza A (H1N1), to keep staff informed of the status of the pandemic and to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all those associated with WIPO’s operations met on June 12, 2009 to take stock of latest developments.

Global Network of IP Academies Agrees to Intensify Cooperation


The third meeting of the Global Network of Intellectual Property (IP) Academies (GNIPA) meeting in Munich, Germany, on June 9 and 10, 2009, at the European Patent Office (EPO), agreed to further intensify cooperation among its members. The event provided an opportunity for representatives of IP academies and training and research institutes to review progress on a common action plan, to exchange practical experiences and to share best practices with a view to enhancing IP education and training, and the management of IP Academies.

World Intellectual Property Day 2009 – Promoting Green Innovation


This year’s World Intellectual Property Day on April 26 focuses on promoting green innovation as a key element in meeting the challenges of climate change In his message to mark the day, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry highlights the contribution that a balanced intellectual property (IP) system can make in enabling the development of technology-based solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change.

WIPO Meeting to Explore IP as a Financing Tool


The use of intellectual property (IP) assets to raise finance – “IP financing” – will be the subject of an information meeting organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization at its Geneva headquarters on March 10, 2009.

King of Thailand Receives WIPO Award for Contribution to Intellectual Property


The King of Thailand, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, received on January 14, 2009, the WIPO Global Leader Award in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to promoting intellectual property and his important contribution to society as a prolific inventor. The award was presented by WIPO Director General, Mr. Francis Gurry, at a ceremony at the Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin, Thailand. Members of the Privy Council, ministers, senior officials and a high level WIPO delegation were in attendance.

WIPO Launches Strategic Change Program


The approval by Member states of a revised program and budget on December 12, 2008 marked the start of a comprehensive program of strategic change in the direction and work of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) led by Director General Francis Gurry. The process aims to realign WIPO's programs, resources and structures with a new set of strategic goals, so as to enable the Organization to respond more effectively to the rapidly evolving technological, cultural and geo-economic environment.

Portugal Makes Extra-Budgetary Contribution to WIPO Capacity Building Projects


Portugal’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) will contribute 100,000 Euros in 2009 to support WIPO’s capacity building activities in African Portuguese speaking countries. A memorandum of understanding was signed to this effect on November 26, 2008, in Geneva between WIPO Director General, Francis Gurry and INPI President, Mr. António Campinos.

Climate Change & MDGs Top Agenda during UN Secretary General’s Visit to WIPO


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a unique organization with a unique contribution to make in meeting the global challenges faced by the United Nations (UN) family, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon told WIPO staff during his first ever visit to the Organization’s Geneva headquarters on November 18, 2008.

Foundation Stone Laid for WIPO’s New Building


Geneva and Swiss officials and representatives of member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) joined WIPO Director General Francis Gurry on November 7, 2008 at a ceremony marking the laying of the foundation stone of the new WIPO building project.

WIPO and ARIPO Sign MOU to Expand Cooperation


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mr. Francis Gurry, and his counterpart from the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), Mr. Gift H. Sibanda, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on October 2, 2008 in Geneva, to strengthen and expand cooperation between the two organizations. The MOU covers traditional areas of cooperation relating to capacity building, as well as a special project to boost ARIPO’s patent information capacity.

WIPO Assemblies Conclude


Topped by the appointment of Mr. Francis Gurry as the next Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the WIPO Assemblies concluded a day ahead of schedule, on Tuesday, September 29, 2008, following a review of activities over the past year and discussions on the Organization’s future work program. The WIPO Assemblies bring together the 184 member states of the Organization.

WIPO General Assembly Opens


The General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), meeting from September 22-30, 2008, opened today with the appointment by acclamation of Mr. Francis Gurry as Director General and the Director General-elect outlining his priorities for the Organization (please see PR/2008/564). Mr. Gurry joined the Chairman of the WIPO General Assembly, Ambassador Martin I. Uhomoibhi, who is also Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, as well as delegates in paying tribute to outgoing Director General, Dr. Kamil Idris, for his 25-year long career at WIPO.

Francis Gurry of Australia Appointed as WIPO Director General


The General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) appointed by acclamation on September 22, 2008, Mr. Francis Gurry, a national of Australia, as Director General of WIPO for a six-year term that begins on October 1, 2008 and runs through September 2014. Member states as a whole congratulated Mr. Gurry on his appointment and highlighted his wealth of experience in intellectual property and the professionalism that he brings to this position.

Inter-Regional Forum on Development and Service-Oriented IP Administration Concludes


A two-day Inter-Regional Forum on Development and Service-Oriented Intellectual Property (IP) Administration, organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on July 1 and 2, 2008, held intensive discussions on the intellectual property (IP)-related institutional and policy challenges, opportunities and reforms in the context of overall national development strategies with a view to making a positive and tangible contribution to social, cultural and economic development. The Forum was the first of its kind to take an in-depth look at the needs and expectations of IP administrations of all countries.

Key WIPO Committee agrees on future work in the area of patents


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) attending the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP) in Geneva from June 23 to 26, 2008, began a comprehensive review of issues relating to the international patent system. The meeting was attended by 85 member states and 24 observer delegations and was chaired by Mr. Maximiliano Santa Cruz of Chile.

WIPO Director General Holds Talks with President of the Kyrgyz Republic


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, met with the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Kurmanbek Bakiev, during an official visit to that country on June 16 and 17, 2008 to mark the 15th anniversary of the opening of the Kyrgyz State Patent Service. Dr. Idris also met with the Prime Minister, Mr. Igor Chudinov and a number of senior representatives from government and academia.

Key WIPO Body Nominates Candidate for Director General


The Coordination Committee of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) nominated Mr. Francis Gurry, a national of Australia, to become the next Director General of WIPO. The candidate will have to be appointed by the WIPO General Assembly at its next meeting, which is scheduled from September 22 to 30, 2008.

WIPO Signs Intellectual Property Development Plan with the Republic of Ghana


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reinforced its cooperation with the Republic of Ghana with the signing on May 7, 2008 of an intellectual property (IP) development plan which aims to build the country’s capacity to create, protect and utilize IP as a power tool for economic growth and development. The IP Development Plan also seeks to ensure that the IP offices and potential users of the IP system - such as universities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), chambers of commerce and industry, research and development institutions and copyright organizations - have the technical capacity to use the intellectual property system. The agreement was signed, on behalf of the Republic of Ghana, by H.E. Joe Ghartey, Attorney General and Minister for Justice.

World Intellectual Property Day 2008 – Celebrating Innovation


This year’s World Intellectual Property Day on April 26, 2008 focuses on celebrating innovation and promoting respect for intellectual property (IP). In his message to mark the eighth World IP Day, Dr. Kamil Idris, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), highlights the intrinsic link between creativity, innovation and IP. Dr. Idris pays tribute to inventors around the world who have driven technological advances and enriched our collective cultural heritage.

Candidates for Post of WIPO Director General Present their Platforms


The fifteen candidates for the post of Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) met with representatives of member states on April 14, 2008, each outlining his or her respective platform and responding to pre-submitted questions from the different regional groups. The Chairperson of the Coordination Committee - following informal consultations last month with representatives of the 83 member body that will nominate a candidate in May for appointment to this position by the WIPO General Assembly in September 2008 - decided on arrangements for the one day informal meeting to give an opportunity for candidates to present themselves and respond to questions.

Two WIPO Award Winners at Geneva International Inventions Fair


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) presented two awards at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions on April 4, 2008, as part of the Organization’s commitment to promoting recognition of inventors worldwide.

WIPO Member States Adopt 2008/09 Program and Budget


A one-day meeting of an extraordinary session of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Assemblies on March 31, 2008 ended with agreement to adopt the Organization’s program and budget for 2008/09, as well as a 5% decrease in fees paid for international patent applications.

WIPO Director General Hails 125th Anniversary of Historic International IP Treaty


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, today hailed the 125th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. The so-called “Paris Convention” was signed in the French capital on 20 March, 1883 and is widely considered as the cornerstone of the international industrial property system. One of the main features of the treaty is that it establishes international standards requiring countries to apply the same level of protection to nationals of other contracting parties as they apply to their own nationals.

WIPO and Kellogg School of Management Offer Executive Program on Strategies for Management Of Intellectual Property


As a response to the growing demand from the business community for executive programs on intellectual property (IP) management, the WIPO Worldwide Academy and the Kellogg School of Management - a leading business school - have teamed up for the second year running to offer the 2008 executive program on "Strategies for Management of Intellectual Property". This year’s program will be held at the Kellogg Campus in Chicago from June 9 to 12, 2008.

WIPO Director General meets Minister of State of the Republic of Ghana


WIPO Director General, Dr. Kamil Idris met, on Thursday, 6 March 2008, with a high-level Ghanaian delegation led by H.E. Mr. Ambrose Dery, Minister of State, Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Department of the Republic of Ghana, to discuss the use of intellectual property (IP) as a strategically important tool for development and on ways in which WIPO could further support Ghana in promoting effective utilization of the IP system for development.

WIPO and University of Cape Town to Offer Executive Program on Strategic IP Management


Business managers and senior executives and corporate strategists can register on-line at http://www.wipo.int/academy/en/execed/sipm/za_apr_08/index.html to participate in the first executive program on strategic intellectual property (IP) management to be held in Africa. The course, which will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, on April 15 and 16, 2008 is being organized by the Worldwide Academy of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in cooperation with the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, one of Africa’s leading business schools.

Fifteen Candidatures Received for Post of Director General of WIPO


Fifteen candidatures for the post of Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) were received by 5 p.m. (Geneva time) on February 13, 2008, the deadline fixed for the submission of names. The WIPO Coordination Committee, which is composed of 83 member states, will meet on May 13 and 14, 2008 to nominate a candidate for appointment to this position by the WIPO General Assembly, which is scheduled from September 22 to 30, 2008.

Construction of New WIPO Building to Start In Early April


Two contracts relating to the construction of a new administrative building to extend the premises of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) headquarters in Geneva, were signed on Friday, February 8, 2008, with the Swiss firm Implenia Entreprise Générale SA, as general contractor, and a syndicate of two banks: Banque Cantonale de Genève and Banque Cantonale Vaudoise, for part of the project’s financing. The construction of the new administrative building, comprising 560 work places, will start along the Route de Ferney in early April 2008.

Global Congress Calls on Government Leaders to Engage in Battle against Counterfeiting and Piracy


Top government officials, business leaders and senior law enforcement authorities today urged national and international political leaders to engage in the battle against counterfeiting and piracy. The call for increased action came at the close of the Fourth Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy held in Dubai from 3-5 February 2008. The international event brought together over 1,200 delegates from 90 countries and was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai. The event was hosted by Dubai Customs and the World Customs Organization (WCO).

Fourth Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy Opens in Dubai


More than 500 senior decision-makers from 70 countries convened today in Dubai to identify solutions to the escalating global problem of product counterfeiting and piracy of intellectual property and to put an end to the damaging effects it is having on consumer health and safety, government resources and revenues, innovation and foreign investment.

WIPO Contributes Expertise in International Dialogue on Avian Flu


At the request of the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has offered its expertise and technical input on patent issues as they relate to influenza viruses and their genes. A technical WIPO report on this question (http://www.wipo.int/patentscope/en/lifesciences/ip_health.html) will serve as one input to WHO’s Intergovernmental Meeting on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness: Sharing of Influenza Viruses and Access to Vaccines and other Benefits, which will meet in Geneva from 20-23 November 2007.

Enforcement Advisory Body Examines Criminal Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights


The effectiveness of enforcing intellectual property (IP) rights under criminal law was the focus of discussions at a meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Advisory Committee on Enforcement (ACE) in Geneva from November 1 to 2, 2007. The Committee heard presentations on the criminal enforcement of IP laws in various jurisdictions and considered issues such as the scope and definition of IP crimes, investigation and initiation of criminal proceedings, jurisdiction, means of streamlining proceedings, evidentiary issues, sentencing options and level of penalties.

Italy Makes Additional Extra-Budgetary Financial Contribution to WIPO


Contributions by the Government of Italy in the framework of a recently-concluded agreement with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have reached 600,000 Euros. The most recent contribution amounting to 300,000 Euros was communicated to WIPO on October 24, 2007 and comes from the Directorate General for Cooperation to Development (DGCS), Ministry for Foreign Affairs. This contribution follows the signing, last month, of an agreement between WIPO Director General, Dr. Kamil Idris, and Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Massimo D'Alema, which strengthens Italy’s commitment to consolidating and reinforcing its contribution to the activities of WIPO. The agreement formalizes Italy’s long-standing support of WIPO’s activities relating to economic development, and makes Italy one of the largest contributors of extra budgetary resources to WIPO.

WIPO Assemblies Conclude


The Assemblies of the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) concluded on Wednesday, October 3, 2007, following a review of activities over the past year and discussions on the Organization’s future work program. The WIPO Assemblies bring together the 184 member states of the Organization. The WIPO General Assembly was chaired by Ambassador Martin I. Uhomoibhi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations in Geneva.

WIPO Member States Extend International Work on Protection of Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Folklore


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have agreed to continue accelerated work on intellectual property (IP) and traditional knowledge, genetic resources and folklore/traditional cultural expressions (TCEs), with a focus on the international dimension. The General Assembly extended the mandate of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) for two years. While recognizing the solid work done to date, they have pledged to work towards greater convergence on the issues.

Member States Adopt a Development Agenda for WIPO


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization, Dr. Kamil Idris, welcomed a decision by WIPO member states on Friday, September 28, 2007 to adopt a Development Agenda consisting of a series of recommendations to enhance the development dimension of the Organization’s activities. The recommendations include a set of 45 agreed proposals covering six clusters of activities including Technical Assistance and Capacity Building; Norm-setting, Flexibilities, Public Policy and Public Knowledge; Technology Transfer, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Access to Knowledge; Assessments, Evaluation and Impact Studies; Institutional Matters including Mandate and Governance.

WIPO Director General Underlines Need to Enhance Use of IP for Wealth Creation & Development


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, called on member states on Wednesday to continue to build on progress made by the Organization to ensure that the intellectual property (IP) system fully contributes to wealth creation and the socio economic development of all nations. This came at the close of a general debate by the WIPO General Assembly on the results-based Program Performance Report of the Organization for 2006. The meetings of WIPO Assemblies are taking place from September 24 to October 3, 2007.

Project Boosts Strategic Use of Intellectual Property by Health Research Institutes in Developing Countries


A three year project funded by the Geneva International Academic Network (GIAN) and coordinated by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has developed a model to enhance the capacity of health research institutes in developing countries to leverage the value of their research results through strategic management of their intellectual property (IP) assets. It has already led to the filing of patents for cancer-related treatments in participating countries.

Exhibition on Creativity in Hong Kong SAR Opens at WIPO


An exhibition showcasing various facets of creativity in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was inaugurated on Monday evening at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), coinciding with the opening day of the annual session of the WIPO Assemblies. The exhibition, "HK Creativity – Intellectual Property in Hong Kong, China," has been organized jointly by WIPO and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, in cooperation with the Government of the Hong Kong SAR.

WIPO Launches New Publication on “The Arts and Copyright” for Schools


The World Intellectual Property Organization has launched another workbook in its series of publications for school children entitled “Learn from the Past, Create the Future”. The latest workbook, “The Arts and Copyright”, offers teachers and students an engaging and informative account of the principles of copyright law and uses a wealth of colorful examples to demonstrate how copyright and related rights work in practice to protect and encourage creativity.

“IP PANORAMA” Accessible to the Public


“IP PANORAMA”, an advanced e-learning tool on intellectual property (IP) for business, is now publicly available from the website of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) at http://www.wipo.int/sme/en/multimedia/ and from the website of the IP Academy (http://www.ipacademy.net/ipeng/) which is operated by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and the Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA). IP PANORAMA was developed jointly by WIPO, KIPO, and KIPA under a project entitled, ‘The Joint Development of E-learning Content’ from 2004 to 2007.

WIPO Assemblies Open


The meetings of the Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which bring together WIPO’s 184 member states, opened on September 24, 2007 with the election of Ambassador Martin I. Uhomoibhi, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations in Geneva as Chairman of the WIPO General Assembly. The meeting of WIPO Assemblies, which run from September 24 to October 3, 2007, will take stock of progress in the Organization’s work and discuss future policy directions.

WIPO Hosts Exhibition Showcasing Creativity in Hong Kong SAR


An exhibition showcasing various facets of creativity in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) will open at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on September 24, 2007, coinciding with the opening day of the annual session of the WIPO Assemblies. The exhibition, "HK Creativity – Intellectual Property in Hong Kong, China," has been organized jointly by WIPO and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, in cooperation with the Government of the Hong Kong SAR.

WIPO’s Executive Business Course Focuses on IP as a means of Creating Competitive Commercial Advantage


The role of intellectual property (IP) in developing and sustaining competitive commercial advantage was the focus of the third executive business program offered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Worldwide Academy, in Geneva, from September 17 to 19, 2007. The three-day course, entitled “Strategic Intellectual Property Management” brought together 40 senior executives from 32 businesses, research and development (R&D) and academic organizations in 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

WIPO and ASEAN Review Joint Cooperation


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have reviewed joint cooperation activities over the past year and explored further possibilities in enhancing the capacity of member nations to better exploit the intellectual property (IP) system for economic, social and cultural development. This came at the XIIth meeting of the WIPO – ASEAN Cooperation Program in the field of Intellectual Property, held on September 19, 2007. The Director General, Dr. Kamil Idris, led the WIPO delegation and Ambassador Karen Tan, Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Permanent Mission of the Republic of Singapore, Geneva, led the ASEAN delegation, in her capacity as current Chair of the ASEAN Geneva Committee (AGC).

WIPO and SAARC Countries Review Joint Cooperation


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, met on September 20, 2007 with the Ambassadors and senior officials of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries represented in Geneva to review cooperation between the two organizations and to share views on ways to enhance cooperation in the field of intellectual property. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Idris and Ambassador Swashpawan Singh, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in Geneva, who is currently chairing the SAARC Group in Geneva.

Director General Meets with Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Yemen


Talks between the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, and a delegation of senior Yemeni officials led by the Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Yemen, Dr Yahia Al Mutawakil, on September 12, 2007, focused on the strategic importance of intellectual property in today’s knowledge economy and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation between Yemen and WIPO.

WIPO Forum Focuses on Practical Initiatives for Improving Awareness and Use of Intellectual Property Assets by SMEs in OECD Countries


The fifth annual WIPO Forum on Intellectual Property (IP) and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) for IP Offices and other relevant institutions in the countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), meeting at the headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on September 13 and 14, 2007, urged WIPO to continue and expand its awareness raising and capacity building on IP for entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises. The Forum also requested WIPO to enlarge its focus to include business aspects of IP for students following courses in a range of disciplines, including, IP law, business, engineering, and technology management.

Agreement Establishes Funds-in-Trust Program with Italy


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Massimo D'Alema, signed an agreement in Rome on September 10, 2007, which strengthens Italy’s commitment to consolidate and reinforce its contribution to the activities of WIPO. The agreement formalizes Italy’s long-standing support of WIPO’s activities relating to economic development, and makes Italy one of the largest contributors of extra budgetary resources to WIPO.

WIPO Hosts Symposium on Current Issues in Intellectual Property and Public Health


The second in a series of public symposia on the life sciences and intellectual property will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2007, at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and will address current issues in intellectual property and public health, an area that has sparked international debate and attention in recent years.

WIPO Organizes Retreat for OIC Member States


Geneva-based Permanent Representatives members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) attended a retreat organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on September 5, 2007 for an in-depth review of topical issues on the international intellectual property agenda. The meeting provided a forum for representatives of the OIC group to exchange views on matters of particular interest to their economic development.

WIPO to Host Symposia on Life Sciences and IP


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is organizing a series of symposia in the coming months, at its Geneva headquarters, to clarify the intellectual property (IP) dimension in the life sciences. They are addressed to a wide range of stakeholders, including international policymakers, government agencies, legislators, delegates, private sector and civil society actors.

WIPO Financial Situation Strong, Member States to Decide Use of Available Reserves


A combination of strong demand for WIPO’s services to the private sector and strict budgetary discipline means that the financial situation of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is strong and has led to a situation where available reserve funds have exceeded a target level established by member states. The Program and Budget Committee (PBC) will make its final recommendation in early September to the annual session of the WIPO Assemblies, which will meet from September 24 to October 3, 2007, on options to use these available reserve funds. Also, work on the construction project for a new administrative building for WIPO is set to begin early 2008. The deadline for the submission of bids for a general contractor was July 23, 2007.

WIPO Director General Meets Minister of Industry & Commerce of Bahrain


Talks between the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, and a delegation of senior Bahraini officials led by the Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Dr. Hassan A. Fakhro, on July 19, 2007, focused on the strategic importance of intellectual property in today’s knowledge economy and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation between WIPO and Bahrain.

WIPO Director General meets Prime Minister of Tunisia


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, met with the Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mr. Mohamed Ghannouchi, to explore ways to further strengthen cooperation between WIPO and the Government of Tunisia in the field of intellectual property during an official visit to Tunisia on July 11 and 12, 2007.

Director General of WIPO and President of Bulgaria Highlight the Economic Importance of Creative Industries


The huge economic potential of the creative industries was at the heart of talks between the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris and the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Georgi Parvanov, in Sofia on July 5, 2007. Discussions focused, in particular, on the dynamism of the creative industries sector and its potential to generate employment and promote trade and wealth creation. Discussions also underlined the strategic importance of intellectual property in the development of both the creative industries sector and the national economy in general.

International Symposium on Geographical Indications Convenes in China


An International Symposium on Geographical Indications (GIs) is being jointly organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing, from June 26 to 28, 2007.

WIPO Director General Receives President of 62nd Session of UN General Assembly


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, met on June 15, 2007 the President of the sixty-second session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Dr. Srgjan Kerim, who previously served as foreign minister of The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Discussions focused on the importance of intellectual property (IP) as a tool for development and wealth creation.

Heads of WIPO and ASIPI Review Joint Cooperation, Agree on Future Collaboration


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, and the President of the Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI), Mr. Martín Michaus, met at WIPO’s Geneva headquarters on June 12, 2007 to review bilateral cooperation and outline a program of joint activities for ASIPI member states.

WIPO Director General Holds Talks with the President of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, met with the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Н. Е. Mr. Branko Crvenkovski on May 2, 2007, for talks on the strategic importance of intellectual property in promoting economic development and wealth creation. The Director General also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Antonio Milososki, the Minister of Culture, Mr. Arifhikmet Dzemaili, the Minister of Justice, Mr. Mihajlo Manevski and other top officials during his visit which focused on ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between the country and WIPO. In addition, the Director General received an honorary doctorate degree from the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of intellectual property as a tool for development.

China’s Intellectual Property Office Introduces Electronic Filing of International Patent Applications


The State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO) became on May 1, 2007, the most recent office to introduce software that enables electronic filing of international patent applications under the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the cornerstone of the international patent system which offers a rapid, flexible and cost-effective way to obtain patent protection in up to 137 countries.

WIPO Director General Receives Honorary Degree from University of Khartoum


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, received on April 28, 2007 an Honorary Doctorate of Law degree from Sudan’s leading academic institution, the University of Khartoum, for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of intellectual property as a tool for development and in recognition of dedicated service to his country, Sudan. The degree was presented to the Director General by Mr. Ali Osman Mohamad Taha, Vice President of the Republic of Sudan, in the presence of a number of ministers, including the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Peter Niyot Kot, and other top Government and University officials, foreign diplomats and students.

WIPO Director General Holds Talks with the Prime Minister of Swaziland


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, met with the Prime Minister of Swaziland, His Excellency, Mr. A.T. Dlamini, on Monday April 30, 2007 for talks on the strategic importance of intellectual property in promoting wealth creation, social development and cultural enrichment in Swaziland, as well as cooperation for development activities.

WIPO Presents Two Awards at Geneva Inventions Fair


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) presented on Friday evening, April 20, 2007, two awards to inventors at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions as part of the Organization’s commitment to promoting innovation and recognition of inventors worldwide.

WIPO and KIPO Present Multimedia Tool for Smes at Geneva Inventions Fair


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) will present Intellectual Property (IP) Panorama, an interactive and user-friendly multimedia product which provides business-oriented explanations of different aspects of intellectual property (IP) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), at the 35th International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques and Products of Geneva, from April 18 to 22, 2007.

Sudanese University Honors WIPO Director General


The University of Al Gezira presented on April 2, 2007 an honorary doctorate degree to the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, for his contribution to the promotion of intellectual property as a tool for economic, social and cultural development.

Global Congress Calls for Greater Effort and Resources in Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy Worldwide


Top government officials, business leaders, and international law enforcement officials together hailed the increased level of international cooperation in combating counterfeiting and piracy. They called for an even greater marshalling of efforts and resources to counter the escalation in this illicit trade which threatens consumer health and safety and undermines economic development. This came at a high-level international gathering of public and private sector organizations hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva on January 30 and 31, 2007.

WIPO to Host Global Anti Counterfeiting and Piracy Meeting


Top government officials, business leaders, and consumer groups will address the far-reaching and devastating impact of counterfeiting and piracy at a meeting in Geneva on January 30 and 31, 2007 hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The Third Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy (http://www.ccapcongress.net), a partnership between public and private sector organizations, is being convened by WIPO, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), under the banner "Shared Challenges-Common Goals.

Issued by the WIPO Appeal Board


The WIPO Appeal Board (the "Board") regrets the references in the articles in Le Matin of December 2, 2006, and in 20 Minutes on December 4, 2006, to the confidential deliberations in the case in question. The Board is bound by the confidential nature of its deliberations and therefore is not allowed to reveal details concerning this or other cases. The Board wishes to state that it was neither consulted nor has it given any information to the media.

Italy-Supported LLM Program Visits WIPO


Thirty-six post-graduate students from around the world undertook a study visit to the headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) from November 20 to 24, 2006, to acquire first hand knowledge of the latest developments in the field of intellectual property (IP) and to gain insights into the processes relating to the establishment and implementation of international IP laws.

WIPO Registers 900,000th Mark Under the International Trademark System


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) registered this week the 900,000th mark under the Madrid system for the international registration of trademarks, a user-friendly and cost-effective system for the international registration of marks. At the current rate of growth, it is anticipated that the one millionth mark under the Madrid system will be reached in 2009. The 900,000 milestone was a trademark registered by a Chinese company seeking protection in ten countries on four continents.

WIPO and Uruguay Strengthen Cooperation


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, has pledged the Organization's continuing support to Uruguay in further reinforcing its intellectual property system. In talks with Uruguay's Vice President Mr. Rodolfo Nin Novoa and a delegation of the Uruguayan Parliament in Geneva on October 16, 2006, Dr. Idris welcomed Uruguay's efforts to modernize its intellectual property framework and other initiatives to ensure that the vast human capital of the nation is best exploited for economic growth and development. In this context, a memorandum of understanding was signed to build on WIPO's existing cooperation with Uruguay.

WIPO Assemblies Conclude


The Assemblies of the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) concluded on Tuesday, October 3, 2006, following a review of activities over the past year and agreement on future work. The WIPO Assemblies bring together the 183 member states of the Organization. The WIPO General Assembly was chaired by Ambassador Enrique Manalo, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva.

Exhibition on Colombian Arts and Crafts Opens at WIPO


A unique exhibition showcasing Colombia's dynamic arts and crafts sector opened on Monday evening, September 25, 2006, at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), coinciding with the opening day of the annual session of the WIPO Assemblies. The exhibition, "Arts and Crafts of Colombia," has been organized jointly by WIPO and the Colombian Government and highlights a colorful and vibrant sector of the Colombian economy.

Director General Pledges WIPO Support to Haiti


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, has pledged the Organization's support to Haiti in modernizing its intellectual property (IP) infrastructure. This came during a meeting in Geneva on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the WIPO Assemblies, between Dr. Idris and Haiti's Minister of Culture and Communication, Mr. Daniel Elie, in which the Minister informed the Director General of his Government's commitment to upgrade the IP infrastructure in Haiti and join an agreement established between WIPO and several Caribbean countries in December 2003.

WIPO Assemblies Open


The meetings of the Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which bring together WIPO's 183 member states, opened on Monday with emphasis by the Director General, Dr. Kamil Idris, on the Organization's commitment to inclusion and excellence in the provision of intellectual property services. The meetings, which run from September 25 to October 3, 2006, will take stock of progress in the Organization's work and discuss future policy directions. Dr. Idris urged delegates to work together in a spirit of "goodwill, commitment and cooperation."

WIPO's First Executive Program Examines Effective IP Strategies For Business Managers


Senior executives, including several presidents, chief executive officers (CEOs) and executive directors from business organizations in over 20 countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas, participated in the first open enrolment executive program - "Strategic Intellectual Property Management" - which was held at WIPO's headquarters in Geneva on September 18 and 19, 2006.

WIPO Hosts Exhibition on Colombian Arts and Crafts


A unique exhibition showcasing Colombia's dynamic arts and crafts sector will open at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on September 25, 2005, coinciding with the opening day of the annual session of the WIPO Assemblies. The exhibition, "Arts and Crafts of Colombia," has been organized jointly by WIPO and the Colombian Government and highlights a colorful and vibrant sector of the Colombian economy.

WIPO Director General Holds Talks in Spain


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) held talks with senior Spanish and European officials in Madrid on September 7, 2006 and participated in the inauguration of new premises of the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office in the heart of Madrid's financial district.

WIPO & its partners launch 6th session of LLM in IP


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) launched the sixth session of the Master of Laws (LLM) in Intellectual Property, a joint post-graduate program in intellectual property (IP) offered by the WIPO Worldwide Academy, the University of Turin and the International Labour Organisation, International Training Center (ILO-ITC) on September 4, 2006, at the ILO-ITC in Turin, Italy with 38 students from across the globe participating in the 2006/2007 program.

WIPO and Morocco Agree on Future Collaboration


At a meeting in Geneva, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, and H.E. Mr. Ben Abdallah, Morocco's Minister for Information, agreed on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, to further strengthen cooperation between the Organization and the Government to enhance the intellectual property infrastructure in Morocco for the benefit of economic, social and cultural development.

WIPO And Government of Singapore Strengthen Cooperation


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Government of Singapore agreed on Monday, June 26, 2006, to further expand and strengthen cooperation in fostering the creation, protection, management and use of intellectual property (IP) during talks at WIPO's Geneva headquarters between Dr. Kamil Idris, Director General, and Ms. Chan Lai Fung, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Law, Government of Singapore. This agreement was formalized by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which consolidated the previous two MOUs that existed between the Government of Singapore and WIPO and further broadened the scope and nature of cooperation in promoting IP awareness and strengthening IP capabilities in developing countries, including least developed countries, in Asia and Pacific region.

WIPO Worldwide Academy Advisory Board Discusses Future Trends


The Advisory Board of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Worldwide Academy (WWA) met in Geneva on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 to take stock of the Academy's activities over the last four years and discuss future challenges. The Board endorsed a number of future WWA initiatives , including the launch of a Master's course on international intellectual property (MIIP), greater diversification of the distance learning program and increased partnerships with academic institutions. The Academy was established by WIPO Director General, Dr. Kamil Idris, in 1998 as a specialized institution for intellectual property (IP) education and a hub for expanding the network of IP educational institutes around the globe.

Member States Approve Appointment of Top Management Team


A key decision-making body of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) approved on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 proposals by the Director General, Dr. Kamil Idris, for a new senior management team (http://www.wipo.int/edocs/mdocs/govbody/en/wo_cc_54/wo_cc_54_2-main1.doc), consisting of four Deputy Directors General (DDG) and three Assistant Directors General. With the exception of one DDG appointment these posts have been filled from within the Organization to allow for continuity in the management structure.

WIPO to launch executive program for business managers


In response to growing demand for quality intellectual property (IP) education from businesses around the world, the Worldwide Academy of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will launch a new study program for business executives. The Executive Program, which supplements a number of programs that focus on human capital development, will offer world class business-oriented IP education and foster interdisciplinary teaching and research in business and management aspects of IP. The first open enrolment program - 'Strategic Intellectual Property Management' - will be held at WIPO's headquarters in Geneva on September 18 and 19, 2006.

Enforcement Advisory Body Continues to Focus on the Benefits of Effective Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights


The need to heighten awareness of the negative impact of counterfeiting and piracy and to build support for global enforcement efforts was at the core of discussions at a meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Advisory Committee on Enforcement (ACE) in Geneva from May 15-17, 2006. Among the top officials addressing the Committee were Mr. Datuk Hj. Mohd Shafie bin Hj. Apdal, Minister, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Putrajaya, Malaysia, Senator Colin Derrick, Minister for Justice, St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, Mr. Ion Codescu, Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice, Romania, and Mr. Fadi Makki, Director General/Advisor to the Prime Minister, Lebanon.

Momentum Builds in Talks on Updating Rights of Broadcasting Organizations


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) agreed last week on a way forward in addressing questions relating to updating the rights of broadcasting organizations by following a parallel process in dealing with questions relating to traditional broadcasting and cablecasting organizations and the issues of webcasting and simulcasting. At the end of the week-long meeting in Geneva, from May 1 to 5, 2006, member states agreed to hold an additional meeting of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) ahead of the annual meeting of the WIPO General Assembly to further strengthen consensus on questions relating to the rights of traditional broadcasters and cablecasters. In that context the General Assembly in autumn 2006 would be able to recommend the convening of a diplomatic conference to conclude a treaty in 2007. Member states agreed that the questions of webcasting and simulcasting would continue to be examined by a meeting of the SCCR after the General Assembly.

World IP Day 2006 Focuses on the Power of Ideas


The power of ideas as the seedbed for innovation and creativity is theme of this year's World Intellectual Property (IP) Day on April 26, 2006. In his message to mark the sixth World IP Day, Dr. Kamil Idris, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), emphasized the limitless value of ideas in inspiring the work of inventors and creators from which we all ultimately benefit. He said that "World Intellectual Property Day is an occasion to reflect on how human creativity and innovation help provide a better world for everyone". Dr. Idris released the following message:

WIPO Presents Two Awards at Geneva Inventions Fair


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) presented on Friday, April 7, 2005, two awards to inventors at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions as part of the Organization's commitment to promoting innovation and recognition of inventors worldwide. The distinctions were presented to the best invention by a woman and the best invention by a national from a developing country. This is the twenty-sixth consecutive year in which WIPO has presented awards at the Geneva fair.

Dr. Idris Lauds Emergence of the Republic of Korea as a Major User of the International Intellectual Property System


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, in an official visit to the Republic of Korea on March 15 and 16, 2006, congratulated top officials on the country's use of the intellectual property (IP) system as a strategic tool for development and wealth creation. In an intensive round of high-level meetings, Dr. Idris addressed a number of bilateral matters including the emergence of the Republic of Korea as a major user of the international patent system and applauded Seoul's commitment to the promotion and protection of IP rights.

Dr. Idris and President of Azerbaijan Discuss Importance of IP


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, met with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan on March 3, 2006 to discuss a number of bilateral issues and the importance of intellectual property as a strategic tool for development and wealth creation. The meeting took place following talks with the Cabinet of Ministers and the signing of a cooperation program between WIPO and the Government of Azerbaijan. Dr. Idris was also awarded an honorary degree of Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Azerbaijan during his official visit to Baku.

WIPO Member States Make Headway in Discussions For a WIPO Development Agenda


Discussions on establishing a development agenda for the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have moved forward, with member states agreeing to structure their future work under six main themes. The Provisional Committee on Proposals related to a WIPO Development Agenda which was established by the WIPO General Assembly in autumn 2005 to accelerate and complete discussions on this matter, met from February 20 to 24, 2006, and was chaired by H.E. Ambassador Rigoberto Gauto Vielman of Paraguay. The Committee was attended by ninety eight member states and forty eight observers.

New Parties to WIPO-Administered Treaties in 2005


The year 2005 saw a significant number of accessions or ratifications to treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO and the entry into force of a new international instrument relating formal patent procedures reflecting continuing commitment by member states in enhancing intellectual property legislation at the national level. In 2005, 45 instruments of accession or ratification of treaties administered by WIPO were deposited with the Director General of WIPO, Dr. Kamil Idris.

Tokyo High Level Forum Considers IP Policies for Economic Growth and Development


A two-day High Level Forum on Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in cooperation with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) in Tokyo, on January 26 and 27, 2006, held intensive discussions on IP policies and their role in promoting development. The Forum brought together some 130 senior intellectual property policy-makers from 37 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Arab region, and a number of industrialized countries as well as representatives from the private sector and academia. The meeting provided a useful opportunity to gain insights through shared experiences and views on ways to ensure that the formulation and implementation of IP policies resulted in a virtuous cycle of creation, commercial use, and protection of innovative goods and services.

Key Committee Moves Forward on Program and Budget Matters


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), meeting in the Program and Budget Committee (PBC) from January 11-13, 2006 took a number of decisions relating to the work of the Organization. The PBC agreed with the proposal of the WIPO secretariat that the recommendation of the United Nations Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) on budget transfers should be adapted to the specific needs of WIPO and that this decision should not be applied before the 2008/09 biennium and after the completion of the desk-to-desk review of the human and financial resources of the Organization.

Audit Report Finds no Fraud or Dishonest Acts in WIPO


Ernst & Young, the international audit and consultancy firm, has submitted its report to the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris. The firm was requested by the Director General last September to conduct an independent external review, under the supervision of WIPO's External Auditor, the Swiss Federal Audit Office, into allegations concerning WIPO.

WIPO and Italian Government Host a Meeting to Highlight the Role of IP in the Fashion Industry


Some 200 representatives from the world's leading fashion houses, and government, academic and trade circles, from 40 countries gathered in Caserta, Italy this week to highlight the importance of the intellectual property (IP) system in enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium sized enterprises (SME) in the textile and clothing sectors. The international symposium, organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), from November 30 to December 2, 2005, in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Productive Activities (Italian Patent and Trademark Office) and the Institute for Industrial Promotion (IPI), reviewed the status of the textile and clothing sectors and stressed the importance of the tools of the IP system to these sectors whose success strongly depends on technological innovation, innovative designs and creativity expression.

Momentum Grows to Update Broadcaster's Rights


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) advanced its work towards development of a treaty to update intellectual property (IP) standards for broadcasters in the digital age, at a meeting of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) in Geneva from November 21 to 23, 2005. Mr. Jukka Liedes of Finland, Chairman of the SCCR highlighted the "high quality debates ... now higher than ever" and said that "there is today a much greater understanding of the concepts and issues contained in a second Revised Consolidated Text of treaty proposals.

WIPO Member States Consider how to Facilitate Access to Educational Materials


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) examined on Monday, the impact of the copyright system on the use of protected works for educational purposes in both the analog and digital environments, particularly in developing countries. The meeting took place at the beginning of deliberations by the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) which is being held in Geneva from November 21 to 23, 2005.

Director General Pledges WIPO Support to Colombia


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, has pledged the Organization's continued support to Colombia in modernizing its intellectual property (IP) infrastructure. This came during a meeting in Bogota, with the President of Colombia, Mr. Alvaro Uribe Velez and senior officials. During his visit on November 7 and 8, 2005, Dr. Idris also met with representatives of the private sector and academia.

Automation of Intellectual Property Offices in Africa Gains Ground


An "African Regional Workshop on IP Office Automation" organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Harare from October 31 to November 2, 2005 took stock of the Organization's efforts to assist intellectual property offices (IPOs) in automating their operations under its "IP Office Services Support (IPOSS) Program." Organized in coordination with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), this event, the first of its kind in the region, brought together representatives of IPOs to exchange and share experiences on the use, operation, support and future directions of the automation system provided to them by WIPO.

Romanian Judges Visit WIPO


A delegation of judges from the Romanian Supreme Court and Court of Appeal visited the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) this week as part of a three-part Colloquium organized by WIPO, the European Patent Academy in Munich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property in Berne from October 17 to 28, 2005. The Colloquium which involved visits to all three participating organizations, is an opportunity for judges to enhance their knowledge of recent international developments in the protection of intellectual property rights and to deepen their practical knowledge and expertise in handling intellectual property cases.

WIPO Assemblies Conclude


The Assemblies of the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) concluded on Wednesday, October 5, 2005, following a review of activities over the past year and agreement on the agenda of the Organization for the next year. The WIPO General Assembly, which brings together the 183 member states of the Organization, was chaired by Ambassador Enrique Manalo, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva.

Member States Agree to Continue Discussions on Development


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), agreed today to continue efforts to enhance the development dimension in all of the Organization's work and to build on the results of a process launched last autumn. The WIPO General Assembly, meeting in Geneva from September 26 to October 5, 2005, agreed to establish a provisional committee to accelerate and complete discussions on proposals relating to a WIPO development agenda.

WIPO Launches New Voluntary Fund to Boost Participation of Indigenous and Local Communities in its Work


The General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has agreed to establish a Voluntary Fund for Indigenous and Local Communities. This Fund will directly support the participation of representatives of these communities in the work of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC). The voice and experience of indigenous and local communities have been a vital contribution to the IGC's work. This latest outcome follows past steps to promote the participation of indigenous and local communities in WIPO's work, and is expected to strengthen their role further. The lack of a specific funding mechanism has been a key concern of indigenous and local community representatives in past IGC sessions.

Member States Approve Program and Budget for 2006/07


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), meeting during the annual session of the WIPO Assemblies, approved by consensus today the 2006/07 program and budget, presented by the Director General, Dr. Kamil Idris, amounting to 531 million Swiss Francs (SFr).

WIPO Assemblies Open


The meetings of the Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which bring together WIPO's 183 member states, opened on Monday. The meetings, which run from September 26 to October 5, 2005, will take stock of progress in the Organization's work and discuss future policy directions.

Exhibition on Design Opens at WIPO


An exhibition spanning 50 years of Italian design featuring items from the prestigious Compasso d'Oro ADI collection was opened this evening by Dr. Kamil Idris, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Mr. Roberto Cota, Italy's Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Productive Activities. The exhibition, "Flair & Function - 50 Years of the ADI Compasso d'Oro Award," has been organized jointly by WIPO and the Italian Government and seeks to highlight the importance of design in the commercial success of a product.

WIPO Hosts Forum on IP and Smes for OECD and South Mediterranean Countries


Representatives of 20 national intellectual property offices and 10 institutions promoting the competitiveness of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) participated on May 25-26, 2006 in the third annual WIPO Forum on Intellectual Property (IP) and SMEs for IP Offices of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) and South Mediterranean Countries at the Geneva headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

WIPO and INSME Co-Organize Training Program for SMEs on Use of IP to Boost Competitiveness


The capacity of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to exploit the intellectual property (IP) system to enhance their competitiveness will be at the heart of discussions at a joint training program organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the INSME Association (International Network for SMEs, www.insme.org), which will meet at WIPO's Geneva headquarters from May 11 to 13, 2005. Some one hundred self-financed representatives of SMEs, research centers, universities, public agencies and SMEs associations, from 33 countries are expected to attend the meeting, which will address issues relating to innovation, patent information, trademarks, valuation of IP assets, and intangible assets as a tool for raising finance.

Key WIPO Body Endorses 2006-2007 Program and Budget


On Friday, April 29, 2005, the Program and Budget Committee of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) endorsed the Proposed Program and Budget for the 2006-2007 biennium, which had been presented by the Director General of WIPO, Dr. Kamil Idris. The Proposed Program and Budget for 2006/07 will now be sent to the WIPO General Assembly in September 2005 for adoption. Three delegations at this time stated they were not able to support the proposal.

WIPO Director General Holds High Level Meetings in Republic of Latvia


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Mr. Aigars Kalvitis agreed, in a meeting in Riga on April 7, 2005, to strengthen cooperation in the field of intellectual property. In his two-day visit to the Republic of Latvia (April 6 and 7, 2005), the Director General also met with the Minister for Justice, the Minister for Culture, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and visited the Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia and the Latvian Academy of Sciences.

Indian University Honors WIPO Director General


The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), presented on March 5, 2005 the degree of Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) to the Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization, Dr. Kamil Idris, for his contribution to the promotion of intellectual property as a tool for economic, social and cultural development. President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam of India was the chief guest at the function.

WIPO and KIPO to Jointly Develop Interactive Multimedia Content on IP for SMEs


The World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) have agreed to jointly develop interactive multimedia content on intellectual property (IP) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). "Intellectual Property Panorama," which will have 10 modules dealing with patents, trade secrets, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright, patent information, marketing, licensing, e-commerce, IP audit and enforcement of intellectual property rights, will be rolled out over the next two years. The first 30-minutes overview module will be released in March 2005.

WIPO and ECLAC Discuss Joint Work Program


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, and the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Dr. Jose Luis Machinea, met this week to discuss joint activities to promote intellectual property as a tool for development in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Dr. Idris praised the positive collaboration between both organizations since the working relationship was formalized in a cooperation agreement in April 2004.

New Parties to WIPO-Administered Treaties in 2004


Growing recognition of the importance of intellectual property rights in an era in which economic growth is increasingly driven by knowledge and information, was reflected in the number of countries that signed up to treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2004. During 2004, 61 instruments of accession to or ratification of treaties administered by WIPO were deposited with the Director General of WIPO, Dr. Kamil Idris. In 2003, 52 such instruments were deposited with the Director General.

WIPO Assemblies Conclude


The Assemblies of the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) concluded on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 following a review of activities over the past year and agreement on the agenda of the Organization for the next year. The WIPO General Assembly, which brings together the 181 member states of the Organization, was chaired by Ambassador Bernard Kessedjian, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva.

Member States Agree to Further Examine Proposal on Development


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) General Assembly agreed on Monday, October 4, 2004, to further examine a proposal by a group of developing countries to integrate in a more systematic manner the development dimension in all of WIPO's work. Member states are expected to formally adopt this decision in a plenary meeting of the General Assembly on Tuesday, October 5, 2004.

WIPO Welcomes Republic of Korea's Support for Development Projects


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, held talks on the sidelines of the WIPO Assemblies, which are meeting from September 27 to October 5, 2004, with the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), Mr. Jong-Kap Kim, to discuss implementation of an arrangement to enhance cooperation between both Organizations and strengthen the intellectual property system for developing and least developed countries. Under the arrangement, KIPO earmarked an amount of one billion Korean Won (more than one million Swiss Francs) for these activities in the 2004-2005 biennium in the form of funds-in-trust with WIPO.

WIPO Welcomes Spain's Support for Development Projects


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, held talks on Tuesday, September 29, 2004 with Ms. Teresa Mogín Barquín, the recently appointed Director General of the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO), to discuss implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between WIPO and SPTO which includes a significant financial contribution for projects in the Ibero-American region.

Member States Agree to Update International Standards for Trademark Registration Procedures


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) agreed today to convene a diplomatic conference on the revision of a key international treaty that will further simplify and streamline procedures for the registration of trademarks. The Diplomatic Conference for the Adoption of a Revised Trademark Law Treaty (TLT) will update the existing treaty bringing it in line with technological advances in telecommunications in the past decade. The Diplomatic Conference, which traditionally is the last step in the treaty-making process, will be held in March 2006.

Exhibition by Chinese Child Artists Opens at WIPO


An exhibition, featuring the work of some 100 children from the Heilongjiang Province of China, was inaugurated on September 27, 2004 in Geneva on the sidelines of the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) annual Assemblies in the presence of a number of the child artists. The centerpiece of the exhibit "Creativity by Children -A Chinese Experience," is an original 60 meter scroll which aligns some 100 paintings by the children. All of the paintings depict a theme relating to intellectual property.

WIPO Director General Receives Order of Oman


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, has received one of the Sultanate of Oman's highest distinctions in recognition of his efforts to promote the protection of intellectual property and his support to the development of Oman in this area.

WIPO Assemblies Open


The meetings of the Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which bring together WIPO's 181 member states will be held in Geneva from September 27 to October 5, 2004, to take stock of progress in the Organization's work and discuss future policy directions.

WIPO Hosts Exhibition by Chinese Child Artists


A unique exhibition, featuring the work of some 100 children from the Heilongjiang Province of China, will be inaugurated on September 27, 2004 in Geneva on the sidelines of the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) annual Assemblies in the presence of a number of the child artists.

WIPO Director General Expresses Condolences on Passing of Dr. Árpád Bogsch


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, expressed his sincere condolences on the passing of Dr. Árpád Bogsch on September 19, 2004, former Director General of WIPO and Secretary General of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) for 24 years and a man who marked the international intellectual property landscape in an unprecedented way.

Heads of WIPO and UNU Sign Cooperation Agreement


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, and the Rector of the United Nations University (UNU), Prof. Hans J. A. van Ginkel, agreed on Friday, July 9, 2004 to work together to boost awareness of intellectual property and to clarify the link between intellectual property and areas such as economic development, international trade and the environment.

WIPO Director General Meets Italy's Minister of Productive Activities


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, met on Thursday, May 13, 2004 in Venice, with Italy's Minister of Productive Activities, Mr. Antonio Marzano to discuss a number of issues of mutual interest. The meeting reaffirmed the strategic importance of intellectual property to development and wealth creation.

WIPO Director General Honored by City of Venice


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, received on Wednesday, May 12, 2004, the first "Venice Award for Intellectual Property", for his leadership role in promoting respect and awareness of intellectual property.

WIPO and ITC Publish Guide on Intellectual Property for Exporters


Exporters around the world can now benefit from a new practical guide on intellectual property for exporters published this month by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International Trade Centre. "Secrets of Intellectual Property: a Guide for Small and Medium-sized Exporters" provides practical guidance on how to deal with some of the most common intellectual property (IP) issues encountered by exporters.

World Intellectual Property Day Highlights Value of Intellectual Property for Development


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, marking World Intellectual Property Day on April 26, said that all nations can use the intellectual property system to achieve economic growth and cultural development. The theme of this year's day, "Encouraging Creativity", underlines how human creativity drives advances in science, business, technology, and the arts.

Member States Take Stock of WIPO's Automation Projects


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization meeting in Geneva from February 23 to 27, 2004, endorsed the Organization's commitment to using information technologies to promote greater efficiency in delivery of intellectual property services worldwide. Delegates attending the Standing Committee on Information Technologies (SCIT) underlined the importance of WIPO's efforts to automate the intellectual property (IP) offices of developing countries and countries in transition in enabling effective delivery of IP services.

WIPO Director General Pledges Continued Assistance to Kyrgyzstan


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, pledged today the Organization's continued assistance in supporting the development and use of intellectual property in the Kyrgyz Republic. In a meeting on the sidelines of the WIPO Assemblies, Dr. Idris and Mr. O. Omorov, Director of the State Agency of Science and Intellectual Property of Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, agreed on the strategic importance of intellectual property as a tool for economic, social and cultural development.

Member States Approve 2004-2005 Program and Budget


The General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) approved by consensus today the 2004-2005 program and budget, which proposes a slight decrease as compared to 2002-2003 owing to the completion of major infrastructure projects in the area of information technology and buildings during that financial period. Member states approved a budget amounting to 638.8 million Swiss Francs (SFr), which reflects a decrease of 30 million SFr or 4.5 % as compared with the revised budget for 2002-2003 of 668.8 million SFr.

WIPO Assemblies Open


The meetings of the Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) opened today and will take stock of progress in the Organization's work and discuss future policy directions. Ambassador Bernard Kessedjian, Permanent Representative of France, was re-elected as Chairman of the WIPO General Assembly. Ms. Dorothy Angote, Registrar-General, Department of the Registrar-General, Attorney-General's Chambers of Kenya and Mr. Wang Jingchuan, Commissioner, State Intellectual Property Office of China were elected as Vice Chairs. The WIPO Assemblies, which bring together the 179 member states of the Organization, are meeting in Geneva from September 22 to October 1, 2003.

Member States Approve Appointment of Top Management Team


A key decision-making body of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) approved on Tuesday, September 3, 2003, proposals by Director General Dr. Kamil Idris to appoint two new Deputy Directors General (DDG) and two new Assistant Directors General (ADG), as well as to renew the mandates of two sitting DDGs.

Board Selects Induni-Ferrovial as General Contractor for New WIPO Construction


Internationally renowned construction firm, Induni-Ferrovial (www.induni.ch and www.ferrovial.com), on Monday, August 25, 2003, won a bid to serve as general contractor for the construction of a new administrative building and a conference hall to extend the premises of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva.

2001 Session of WIPO General Assemblies Concludes


The Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization concluded on Wednesday following a review of the Organization's activities over the past year and approval of the program and budget for the next biennium (2002-2003).