| Description: |
1. Upon request of the Government of South Africa, the Patent Law Division (PLD), Legislative and Policy Advice Section of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is providing advice regarding amendments to South Africa’s Patent Act, Regulations, and guidelines, to implement the country’s new IP policy
2. Given the multitude and complexity of the changes required, the PLD recommended a study visit in Geneva to enable more in depth discussions. This will also provide the South African Authorities access to expertise of WIPO Staff from different areas. In addition to the areas in PLD’s competency, the South African Authorities would like to discuss issues related to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), enforcement, and training for patent examiners. The requested topics are described in the attached email.
3. I propose holding the Study Visit during March 5 to 7, 2019. This will give the PLD sufficient time to review the materials the South African Authorities have provided, including legislative advice from other sources, and send draft comments.
4. The program (attached) is aimed to facilitate discussions in the topics identified by the Authorities, which are the most critical areas where advice has been requested to implement South Africa’s updated IP Policy.
5. The following four delegates from Pretoria, South Africa, would take part to the meeting:
a. Mr. Trod Lehong, Senior Manager, Patents and Designs, Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
b. Mr. Marumo Nkomo, Director Legal – International Trade & Investment, Department of Trade and Industry (dti)
c. One additional representative from each of the dti and the CIPC
6. This activity would be financed by under the activity in Program 0105, Study/visits in Geneva. The budget code is in the process of being activated. Cost estimate is attached.
For your approval, if you agree, please. |