Italy-Supported LLM Program Visits WIPO
Geneva, November 24, 2006
Press Releases PR/2006/468
Thirty-six post-graduate students from around the world undertook a study visit to the headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) from November 20 to 24, 2006, to acquire first hand knowledge of the latest developments in the field of intellectual property (IP) and to gain insights into the processes relating to the establishment and implementation of international IP laws. The students are participating in the Master of Laws (LLM) in Intellectual Property program organized jointly by the University of Turin Law School and the WIPO Worldwide Academy, in cooperation with the International Training Centre of the International Labor Organization (ITC-ILO) in Turin and with the financial support of the Italian Government.
Opening the program on behalf of the Director General of WIPO, Dr. Kamil Idris, the Dean of the WIPO Worldwide Academy, Mr. Mpazi Sinjela, underlined the importance of IP education and said that the program was an opportunity for the students to acquire the skills necessary to play a leading role in the teaching and practice of intellectual property in their respective countries. The program included modules on a wide spectrum of IP issues including patents, trademarks, domain names, copyright and related rights, traditional knowledge and the Internet. Lectures were delivered by experts from WIPO as well as eminent academics and practitioners.
The study visit provided a unique opportunity for the students to familiarize themselves with the latest developments on IP issues, and to gain insights into how IP laws are negotiated; how an IP treaty or convention is adopted at a diplomatic conference; and how IP laws are implemented at the national level.
At the close of the visit, students met with Deputy Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations, Mr. Pasquale D'Avino, who, on behalf of the Italian Ambassador, Mr. Giovanni Caracciolo di Vietri, underscored the richness and quality of the program. He said the program provided practical insights into operation of the IP system at the international level. Mr. D'Avino underlined the commitment of the Government of Italy and the University of Turin to IP education and applauded the WIPO Academy for its role in spearheading IP educational programs around the world.
Upon their return to the University of Turin, students will be required to write a thesis and, following satisfactory completion of the program, will receive a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property. Since its establishment in 2000, this joint Masters program has trained over 160 students.
Every year, 20 students from developing countries and countries in transition are granted scholarships to participate in the program. The costs of the scholarships are covered by the Italian Government and WIPO. The remaining 20 students who participate in the program are self-financing.
For more information about the Masters program please visit the WIPO Worldwide Academy website: https://www.wipo.int/academy/en/ or the University of Turin web link: www.turin-ip.com or contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section: Tel: (+41 22) 338 8161 or 338 9547 Fax: (+4122) 338 8280; E-mail: publicinf@wipo.int.