IP Academics Get Together in Geneva
July 2, 2019
From June 17 to 29, the WIPO Academy organized a series of events in Geneva, Switzerland aimed at promoting exchanges and discussions among the intellectual property (IP) academic community.
A total of 166 participants attended the events.
WIPO-WTO Colloquium for Teachers of IP
The WIPO-WTO Colloquium for Teachers of IP, which took place from June 17 to 29, 2019, is a two-week program to build the capacity of IP teachers from developing countries, least developed countries and countries with economies in transition. The Colloquium aims to enhance the knowledge of IP teachers on emerging IP issues under debate by Member States at the international level, both at WIPO and WTO. The training program also offers participants an opportunity to share experiences and challenges and to encourage the development of practical strategies and policies to improve IP teaching and research. Twenty-seven participants from 27 countries benefited from lectures by over 40 experts on a number of topics including block-chain and IP, IP as a key factor of an open science policy, copyright issues in e-commerce and the best practices in teaching law to scientists and engineers. Participants are encouraged to maintain contact with the Colloquium experts and to continue their IP dialogue after the training in Geneva.
WIPO-University of Geneva Summer School
The WIPO-University of Geneva Summer School was organized from June 24 to July 5, 2019 and 63 participants coming from 23 countries took part. The two-week intensive program is designed in particular for university students and young professionals. It provides an overview of IP and its role in promoting innovation and creativity. The Summer School also aims to help participants gain an appreciation of IP as a tool for development and the role of WIPO in the IP system. The latest edition focused on topics such as IP and green technology and climate change; privacy and data protection issues; and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on IP law practice. In addition, the program included a panel discussion on the IP job market and career options featuring Summer School alumni.
IP Researchers Europe Conference
The second IP Researchers Europe Conference (IPRE) took place at WIPO and WTO headquarters from June 28 to 29, 2019. Mr. Mario Matus, the Deputy Director General of the Development Sector at WIPO, gave an opening address at the Conference. The Conference was attended by 76 professors and researchers from Europe and the rest of the world. While primarily focusing on Europe-based IP research, topics dealing with IP law-related issues in international and comparative law were also addressed. Presentations were given on a variety of themes including the intersection between IP and AI, big data, public health, copyright and e-sports, open science policies, block-chain technology, geographic indications, luxury trademarks, and privacy issues.