Symposium on Intellectual Property and Life Sciences Regulation

Geneva, October 25, 2007
MA/2007/35

The third in a series of public symposia on the life sciences and intellectual property will be held on Friday, November 16, 2007 and will address Intellectual Property and Life Sciences Regulation. The full-day event is organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in cooperation with the Stockholm Network.

The Life Sciences Symposium on Intellectual Property and Life Sciences Regulation will clarify the linkages between the intellectual property (IP) system and the regulation of biotechnological and biomedical products from environmental and health perspectives. Representatives from WIPO’s member states, the World Health Organization (WHO), The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Trade Organization (WTO) and industry will discuss the interface between the patent system and the regulation of life sciences technologies for safety, efficacy and environmental impact. 

Speakers will cover IP considerations associated with the use of regulatory data, so-called “Bolar” provisions which enable generics manufacturers to complete all regulatory requirements and enter the market upon expiry of a patent for a given drug, patent term extensions to compensate for regulatory processes, and other linkages between the patent system and regulatory mechanisms.

WIPO’s Symposia on Life Sciences and Intellectual Property Policy provide an opportunity to examine IP as it relates to the life sciences. They are designed to build understanding among a wide range of stakeholders (including international policy-makers, government agencies, legislators, delegates, civil society and the private sector) both of the practical use of the IP system on the life sciences and its impact on this rapidly evolving field by providing a forum for exchanging information and ideas. Since the symposia aim only at promoting dialogue and awareness, they are not intended to substitute for debate or influence outcomes in other international forums. The symposia do not aim at any specific outcome, other than enhanced understanding of topical issues of concern to policymakers.

The program of the forthcoming event and information on the full series of WIPO Life Sciences Symposia are available at https://www.wipo.int/patentscope/en/lifesciences/. The event is open to the general public and is free-of-charge. Anyone interested in attending the meeting is requested to complete the on-line registration form.