Bulgaria to host International Conference on new horizons for Intellectual Property
Geneva, May 22, 2001
Media Alerts MA/2001/07
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in cooperation with the National Intellectual Property Association of Bulgaria, is organizing an international conference, under the patronage of the President of Bulgaria on intellectual property, the Internet, electronic commerce and traditional knowledge, in Sofia from May 29 to 31, 2001. The Conference will be opened by Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov and WIPO Director General, Dr. Kamil Idris.
The Conference (full program available at /ip-conf-bg) will examine recent developments in the intellectual property system affecting the interests of users operating in the digital environment. Conference sessions will also focus on future international initiatives to adapt the existing intellectual property system to the challenges of the scientific and technological revolution. The intellectual property aspects of traditional knowledge, folklore and genetic resources will also be reviewed.
Unprecedented advances in biotechnology and communications technologies pose significant challenges for the intellectual property system in the 21st Century. The Conference is designed to promote better awareness among policy-makers and the business community of the key role of the intellectual property system in safeguarding and promoting business interests and in fostering economic development. The Conference will provide an opportunity for business leaders, government officials, intellectual property specialists and academic experts to exchange views on topical issues such as:
- Intellectual Property, the Internet and Electronic Commerce
(Virtual identifiers: the domain name system; trademarks and branding on the Internet; the digital divide; content, music and software on the Internet; service provider liability and dispute resolution)
- Recent Developments in the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)
(New developments in the Protection of Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnological Inventions; Business Methods and software patents; electronic filing of patent applications; the future of the intellectual property system.)
- Intellectual Property, Traditional Knowledge and Genetic Resources
(Concepts and Terms; relationship between intellectual property, access to and benefit-sharing of Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, Folklore and the Internet, Aspects of Documentation; Recent International, Regional and National Developments.)
For further information, please contact the Media Relations & Public Affairs Section at WIPO: Tel: + 41 22 338 8161 or 338 95 47; E-mail: publicinf@wipo.int.