WIPO Director General Wraps Up Official Visit to Australia

WIPO Director General Daren Tang wrapped up a three day official visit to Australia (Melbourne and Canberra) on August 15, 2024 where he engaged with Government officials, as well as First Nations Communities, innovators, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and researchers, underscoring the crucial role that intellectual property ( IP) plays for traditional knowledge and First Nations People, for sustainability and digital transformation.

During his visit, the Director General joined the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Penny Wong, Australia's Ambassador for First Nations People, Mr. Justin Mohamed, IP Australia Director General, Mr. Michael Schwager, First Nations leaders and Australian Government officials to celebrate the conclusion of the Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge. This Treaty is an important milestone in the recognition of and respect for Indigenous Peoples' traditional knowledge in the international IP system.

The Director General underscored Australia's critical role in its success and a shared goal of a dynamic and inclusive global IP ecosystem that works for everyone, everywhere.

Australia for decades played a critical role in supporting Indigenous Peoples and together with Ambassador Mohamed, the Director General launched a new project on IP for Bushfoods which will provide specialized IP training for and mentorship to First Nations entrepreneurs, helping them to build their brands, protect against imitators and pursue new growth opportunities, including in international markets.

The Director General also met with Mr. Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Cyber Security and the Arts, Mr. Mark Dreyfus, the Attorney-General, and Mr. Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for a Future Made in Australia and Trade to discuss the vital role of IP in support of innovation, creativity and prosperity in Australia.

Discussions also centered on the “Future Made in Australia,” and other policy initiatives, aimed at turning more home-grown ideas into tangible products and services that benefit all.

Like in many countries, there is scope to bring IP to Australian start-ups and SMEs and to encourage the country's large, mature companies to invest more in R&D driven business strategies. The panel for SMEs in Melbourne featured diverse businesses united by a commitment to using IP for growth and development. The panel showcased innovative firms making a difference in critical areas like healthcare (EmVision), animal welfare and sports (Scoot Boot), advanced semiconductor technology (BluGlass) and through support to young entrepreneurial designers in Australia (UpRising).

In the panel held for the International Trade Network (ITN) hosted by DFAT, with Mr. Schwager, Mr. George Mina, Deputy Secretary, Trade and Investment Group, DFAT, Ms. Dara Williams, Head of Commercialization, Department of Industry, Science and Resources and Ms. Cathy Raper, First Assistant Secretary, Office of Global Trade Negotiations, DFAT, the Director General highlighted the key role of IP in a complex, evolving environment of international trade relations and technological innovation. He underlined how IP can enhance the transition to a more sustainable future.

The Director General also joined a roundtable of IP professors hosted by Professor Andrew Christie at the University of Melbourne and met with Ms. Jennifer McEwan, President, Institute of Patent and Trademark Attorneys of Australia (IPTA), to discuss the strategic landscape of IP and collaborative efforts.