WIPO Granted Observer Status in WTO Working Group

In a significant development aimed at enhancing global technology transfer to developing economies, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has been granted observer status in the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Working Group on Trade and Transfer of Technology. This decision was made during the group's meeting on May 15, where members elected Ambassador Raimondas Alisauskas of Lithuania as the Chair for 2024.

Alejandro Roca Campaña, representing WIPO, reiterated the organization's commitment to deepening its collaboration with the WTO. He emphasized WIPO’s readiness to leverage its extensive expertise in intellectual property (IP) innovation to support the Working Group’s efforts.

Members of the Working Group supported WIPO's request for observer status, citing the mandate provided in the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration. The declaration encourages the Working Group to engage with relevant international organizations to foster greater technology transfer. The decision also reflects the shared interests between WIPO and the Working Group in promoting innovation and technology dissemination.

The Working Group also took the opportunity to start consultations on future topics for discussion, focusing on actionable strategies to increase technology flows. The collaboration with WIPO is expected to open new avenues for addressing the challenges and opportunities in the global transfer of technology, particularly to benefit developing nations.