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WIPO Pledges Support to Russian Federation

Geneva, February 25, 1999
Press Releases PR/1999/158

The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Dr. Kamil Idris, has pledged WIPO's support to the Russian Federation in its efforts to enhance and strengthen its intellectual property protection system. This was the message Dr. Idris reiterated in high level talks in Moscow on February 24, and 25, including a meeting with Prime Minister Evgeny Primakov.

Dr. Idris said he was "very satisfied" with the talks which he described as "constructive and forward-looking." Dr. Primakov echoed the Director General's satisfaction, stating at the end of their meeting "our views coincided."

Dr. Idris was pleased to learn that intellectual property has the attention of the highest level of Government in the Russian Federation. Dr. Primakov told the Director General that the issue of intellectual property is "of State importance." The Prime Minister said his country is mobilizing all its efforts to advance its economy and that intellectual property protection is of "paramount" importance in this endeavor. Dr. Primakov said the Russian Federation appreciates the work of WIPO and expects the Organization to continue to provide legal and technical assistance to his country, including in human resource development.

Dr. Idris commended the Russian Prime Minister on his vision for the future which includes enhancing, upgrading and strengthening the intellectual property infrastructure. The Director General said intellectual property will be a major component in the knowledge-based economy of the 21st Century. He outlined the benefits of a strong, effective intellectual property system saying this will stimulate innovation and lead to wealth creation.

Dr. Idris and the Prime Minister strongly supported establishing intellectual property enforcement institutions and initiating serious efforts against piracy and counterfeit goods.

Dr. Idris welcomed indications by the Prime Minister that the portfolio of Copyright and Related Rights will be institutionalized, likely, under the authority of Rospatent (Russia's Agency for Patents and Trademarks). Dr. Idris said WIPO is prepared to help Rospatent to establish the necessary administrative, technical and legal infrastructure to support this project.

The Director General's talks with Russian officials also covered an initiative that is currently being debated in Moscow, namely a revision of the Civil Code that would include a part on intellectual property. Asked to comment on this process by the Director General of Rospatent, Mr. Alexander Korchagin, Dr. Idris evoked the potential negative effects of this action. Dr. Idris strongly urged the Government to consider the full implications of such a move. "Today the tendency goes against double regulation and double legislation," he said, Russia already has good intellectual property legislation which can be adapted as the need arises. However, adjusting the Civil Code is a "difficult, complicated, expensive and time-consuming process." Double legislation is also likely to lead to problems of jurisprudence and interpretation. Dr. Idris also voiced his concern about the project to include intellectual property provisions in the Civil Code during his meeting with the Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs officials, and the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma, Mr. Mikail Yuriev. In the view of the Director General, a possible compromise could be a broad general reference to intellectual property in a Civil Code and maintaining detailed provisions in individual laws.

In wide-ranging talks with the Director General of Rospatent, Dr. Idris also pledged WIPO's support to the Agency. The two sides agreed on the need to hold an annual forum in Moscow to promote understanding of intellectual property in the Russian Federation and other CIS countries. The workshops would also provide training for officials involved in intellectual property and enforcement. Dr. Idris said the workshops would be tailor-made to respond to the needs of developing countries and economies in transition.

Rospatent Director General, Alexander Korchagin, also requested WIPO's support in the country's struggle against piracy. Dr. Idris pledged WIPO's assistance in establishing enforcement institutions, training specialists, customs officials, the police, the judiciary and other relevant actors.

The Director General also held talks with Acting Foreign Minister, Evgeny Goussarov. Mr. Goussarov said the Ministry attaches special importance to cooperation with WIPO. He said due attention should be paid to training personnel and called on WIPO to continue to provide assistance in this area.

Dr. Idris also exchanged views with the First Deputy Minister of Justice, Mr. Eduard Renov, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Mr. Pavel Khoroshilov, the Deputy Head of the Committee on Radio and Television, Mr. Anatoli Bliznets, as well as a member of the Russian Authors' Association. On Thursday, Dr. Idris met parliamentarians. In addition, the Director General visited the headquarters of the Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO). During a meeting with the President of EAPO, Dr. Viktor I. Blinnikov and his Deputies, Mr. H. Fayazov and Mr. A. Grigoriev, Dr. Idris praised the accomplishments of EAPO and expressed WIPO's support of the Organization. Later, he addressed an audience of academics and students at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations where he was awarded a Medal of Honor in recognition of his contribution to the world of intellectual property.

 

For further information, please contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section at WIPO:

Tel: (+41 22) 338 8161 or 338 95 47
Fax: (+ 41 22) 338 88 10
E-mail: publicinf@wipo.int

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