Innovation is of paramount importance to the technological, social and economic development of countries. This is why the generation, transfer and diffusion of innovative technologies are key components of any development policy.  Against this backdrop, ongoing deliberations at the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP) continuously explore the role of the patent system and its effects on technology transfer, both domestically and across borders.

Transfer of technology and dissemination of technological information are fundamental to a well-functioning patent system. The exclusive rights conferred by patents facilitate transactions, such as sale or licensing, relating to the protected technology. At the same time, the system ensures the public availability of sufficient information on the invention. This way, a wider group of researchers and engineers may further contribute to the development of the technology concerned.

The process of transferring technology can be complex and influenced by a number of factors, such as political and market environments, human resources and infrastructure. With that in mind, policy makers have to be aware of the adjustable mechanisms built into the patent system to create an enabling environment for collaborative research, sharing knowledge, and an efficient utilization of the results of innovative processes.

SCP activities on the topic

Documents prepared by the Secretariat

Proposals by Member States 

Sharing sessions and seminars

  • Sharing Session by Member States on Policy Experiences on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) and Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) Licensing related issues (2024). Presentations are available at SCP/36 under “Other related documents”
  • Roundtable on Patent Inventorship and Ownership with respect to University Inventions and their Implications for Technology Transfer (2024). Presentations are available at SCP/36 under “Other related documents”
  • Sharing Session on International Cooperation in Respect of Technology Transfer Through the Patent System, Including Technical Assistance and Capacity Building, Licensing of Technology and Collaboration Involving both the Public and Private Sectors (2023). Presentations are available at SCP/35 under “Other related documents”
  • Sharing Session by SCP Observers, Intergovernmental Organizations and Other Relevant Stakeholders on Their Practical Experience on Standard-Essential Patents (SEPS) and Fair, Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) Licensing Related Issues (2023). Presentations are available at SCP/35 under “Other related documents”
  • Sharing Session on the Positive Contributions of the Patent System in Enhancing Innovation, Technology Transfer and Industrial Development of Countries as well as Challenges Therein (2022). Presentations are available at SCP/34 under “Other related documents”
  • Sharing Session by Member States on Patent Law Provisions and Practices That Contributed to Effective Transfer of Technology, Including Sufficiency of Disclosure (2020). Presentations are available at SCP/32 under “Other related documents”
  • Sharing Session on Patent Law Provisions that Contributed to Effective Transfer of Technology (2018).  For the discussions, please consult the report of SCP/28
  • Sharing Session on Patent Law Provisions that Contributed to Effective Transfer of Technology (2017).  For the discussions, please consult the report of SCP/27
  • Sharing Session on the Relationship between Patent Systems and Transfer of Technology as well as Examples and Cases Presented by Experts from Different Regions with a View to Deepening the Understanding of the Impact of Sufficiency of Disclosure on Transfer of Technology (2016).  For the discussions, please consult the report of SCP/25
  • Special Seminar: Patents and Technology Transfer (2011). Executive Summary is available at WIPO/IP/ECON/GE/6/11/EXEC

Other related information