WIPO Director General Daren Tang Explores Germany's Innovation Hub
March 11, 2024
WIPO Director General Daren Tang visited Germany from March 4 to 6, 2024 where he met with senior government officials, industry leaders, academics and other stakeholders to discuss the country’s dynamic innovation landscape.
Bilateral Meetings
In Berlin, Mr. Tang met with Federal Minister of Justice, Mr. Marco Buschmann and Parliamentary State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Research, Mario Brandenburg. These meetings provided insights into how Germany's initiatives nurture both industrial and digital innovation, notably highlighted by the establishment of the Agency for Disruptive Innovation (SPRIND).
Mr. Buschmann and Mr. Tang discussed the complex relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property (IP). They emphasized the need to safeguard creators' interests amidst technological advancements.
Moreover, Germany's commitment to multilateralism and its long-standing support for WIPO were underscored in Mr. Tang's meeting with Ms. Susanne Baumann, State Secretary at the Federal Foreign Office. Mr. Tang echoed these themes while emphasizing the significance of IP in addressing global challenges, including climate change.
Visit to the German Patent and Trademark Office
In Munich, Mr. Tang held talks with Ms. Eva Schewior, President of the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA), focusing on joint initiatives in support of digital transformation. Key topics included a collaborative WIPO-DPMA study on SMEs' use of IP rights, as well as challenges and opportunities related to standard essential patents and AI.
The meeting highlighted WIPO's commitment to supporting the evolution of Germany's innovation landscape through strategic partnerships and initiatives, ensuring that IP remains a driver of economic growth and social progress. Collaborative efforts between WIPO and DPMA underscore the importance of adapting regulatory frameworks to technological advancements and fostering inclusive innovation ecosystems.
Generative AI Summit 2024
In a keynote speech at the Generative AI Summit, Mr. Tang highlighted the complex interplay between generative AI and copyright law. Before an audience comprising key industry figures and government representatives, he emphasized the importance of striking a delicate balance — one where the empowerment of content creators harmonized seamlessly with the advancement of AI, ensuring the enduring sustainability of a creative ecosystem.
Exploring Start-up innovation
Mr. Tang also visited the German startup, Xolo GmbH, a Berlin-based company specializing in innovative volumetric 3D-printing technology and met with Mr. Dirk Radzinski, Xolo's Co-Founder and CEO. Witnessing the transformative potential of emerging technologies, Mr. Tang underscored the significance of fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
Navigating Digital Transformation
Amid Germany's thriving industrial landscape, Mr. Tang emphasized the importance of navigating the challenges posed by digital transformation. Collaborative efforts across public and private sectors, highlighted in discussions with industry leaders and government officials, underscored Germany's determination to achieve a balanced and inclusive IP ecosystem that addresses the challenges of the digital transition.
Through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, Germany's pursuit of innovation and technological advancement aligns with WIPO's vision for a dynamic and inclusive global IP ecosystem.