WIPO Participates in Geneva Inventions Show
Geneva, April 23, 1999
Press Releases PR/1999/167
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will participate in the 27th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions (from April 30 to May 9, 1999) with a presentation of works by famous women inventors. WIPO will also offer two medals in recognition of the most outstanding woman inventor and the best inventor from a developing country at the Geneva Exhibition. This is a sign of the Organization's commitment to promote innovation at every level of society all over the world.
The WIPO Exhibition, "Women Invent" portrays a series of inventions by women of all ages from all corners of the world. Considered as pioneers, many of these women had to overcome social and cultural obstacles to successfully bring their ideas to life and commercialize their inventions. Their inventions range from science, medicine, and technology to practical everyday applications such as the coffee filter.
Attribution of the two WIPO Gold Medal Awards will be decided by an international jury designated by the organizers of the Geneva Exhibition. The WIPO Gold Medal Award consists of a gold-plated medal and a certificate signed by the Director General of WIPO. The first awards were presented at the 8th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions in 1979. Thirty-nine WIPO Gold Medals have been awarded since then within the framework of the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions to inventors from 25 countries. Among them were 21 inventors from developing countries and 14 women.
"Exhibitions represent an excellent opportunity for inventors to display their achievements to the public," said Mr. Vladimir Yossifov, Director of WIPO's Division for Infrastructure Services and Innovation Promotion. "The Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions gives inventors the opportunity to attract the attention of business partners for joint ventures or licensing. For the past two decades we have participated in this unique gathering and we look forward to continuing this association for many years to come," Mr. Yossifov said. He pointed out that new inventions should be displayed at exhibitions only once an application for a patent has been filed. A patent ensures that an inventor's economic interests are protected while at the same time the public at large can benefit from the innovation.
The WIPO's Gold Medal Award Scheme marks its 20th anniversary this year. Launched in 1979 with a view to stimulating inventive and innovative activity around the world, particularly in developing countries, the award serves to attract and enhance public recognition of inventors and their work. Granting of the medals also improves the image of inventors through recognition of their merits as creators who contribute to national wealth and development. In the past twenty years, 512 inventors from 75 countries, including women and children, have received WIPO Gold Medal Awards.
The pre-Exhibition press conference will be held at WIPO on Monday, April 26, 1999. It will take place in Room B at the WIPO main building, 34 Chemin des Colombettes, at 11:15. The main speaker is Mr. Jean-Luc Vincent, President of the 27th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions. The press is cordially invited to a reception following the press conference.
For further information please contact Mr. Vladimir Yossifov at (+41 22) 338 94 91 or the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section at (+ 41 22) 338 81 61.