WIPO to Host Global Anti Counterfeiting and Piracy Meeting

Geneva, November 13, 2006
Media Alerts MA/2006/24

The Third Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy, convened by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Interpol and the World Customs Organization (WCO), will be held in Geneva on January 30 and 31, 2007 under the banner "Shared Challenges-Common Goals." The Congress is being held with the support and cooperation of a number of international business organizations, namely, the Global Business Leaders Alliance Against Counterfeiting (GBLAAC), the International Trademark Association (INTA), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the International Security Management Association (ISMA). Full details are available at http://www.ccapcongress.net.

The Global Congress has become a key international forum for addressing the transnational nature of trade in counterfeit and pirated goods, for shaping practical enforcement strategies and developing and implementing international recommendations and programs to combat this illegal trade which threatens economic development, consumers' health and safety, and good governance.

The Third Global Congress aims to build on the process that began with the first such event in Brussels in 2004, bringing together top government and private sector representatives to pool their experience, enhance international coordination and cooperation and seek more effective solutions in pursuit of the common goal of ending the global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods.

A number of high level officials are expected to address the meeting, including heads of government, top officials of the convening organizations, key business leaders and industry organizations. Participants will include government ministers and policy-makers, business leaders, senior law enforcement officials, judges, stakeholders from non-governmental organizations and industry groups.

Over 500 participants from around the world have participated in previous Global Congresses. The first one was held in Brussels in 2004 which is home to the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Second Global Congress in 2005 was held in Lyon where Interpol is headquartered. The meetings have provided a valuable forum for representatives from both the public and private sectors to raise awareness, enhance cooperation and identify strategies to deal more effectively with the global problem of counterfeiting and piracy.

Journalists wishing to cover this event are invited to refer to the guidelines for media accreditation at https://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/accreditation/. Accreditation forms (https://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/accreditation/form.html), with supporting documentation, must be sent to the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section at WIPO: Fax: +4122-338 8280. For further information please contact Tel: + 41 22 338 8161 or 338 9547; e-mail: publicinf@wipo.int.