Special Rules of Procedure of the Governing Bodies of WIPO and of the Unions Administered by WIPO

Introduction

(1) The rules governing the procedure of the Governing Bodies of WIPO and of the Unions administered by WIPO consist of provisions in the treaties establishing WIPO and the Unions, the WIPO General Rules of Procedure and, for each Governing Body, a distinct set of rules, called “Special Rules of Procedure.”

(2) The present document is a compilation of the Special Rules of Procedure of the 22 Governing Bodies that typically meet around July each year in the framework of the Assemblies and other bodies of the Member States of WIPO and of the Unions administered by WIPO.

(3) This compilation updates the previous rules of procedures, found in document A/57/INF/6 from 2017, in accordance with the amendments adopted by the Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO, in a decision taken at their 63rd Series of meetings from July 14 to 22, 2022 (see WIPO document A/63/10 paragraph 127). Furthermore, the Special Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances, adopted by the said Assembly at its 1st ordinary session from September 21 to 25, 2020 (see WIPO documents BTAP/A/1/1 and BTAP/A/1/3 paragraph 9), have been added to the compilation.

1. WIPO General Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on September 28, 1970 and amended on October 11, 2016,  July 22, 2022 and July 15, 2023.

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Draft Agenda

For the ordinary sessions of the General Assembly, the Director General shall prepare the draft agenda according to the instructions of the Coordination Committee.

Rule 3: Decisions when a Quorum is not Reached

(1) In the case referred to in Article 6(3)(c) of the WIPO Convention, the Director General shall immediately communicate those decisions which have not yet taken effect to the States members of the General Assembly which were not represented at the session, together with the report of the session and whatever additional explanations may be necessary.

(2) The period of three months allowed to them to express their vote or abstention shall run from the date on which the communication was sent. Replies shall be taken into consideration only if they reach the Director General within the period allowed.

(3) Replies must come either from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or from a competent authority of the State in question.

Rule 4: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

2. WIPO Conference

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on September 28, 1970, and amended on July 22, 2022 and July 15, 2023

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Conference shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Draft Agenda

For the ordinary sessions of the Conference, the Director General shall prepare the draft agenda according to the instructions of the Coordination Committee.

Rule 3: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

3. WIPO Coordination Committee

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on September 28, 1970, and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Coordination Committee shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Composition

(1) The Coordination Committee shall be composed of ordinary members and ad hoc members.

(2) Ordinary members shall be States which are ordinary members of the Executive Committee of the Paris Union, or of the Executive Committee of the Berne Union, or of both of the said Committees.

(3) Ad hoc members shall be States elected by the Conference in accordance with Article 8(1)(c) of the WIPO Convention.

Rule 3: Officers

(1) At the first meeting of each ordinary session, the Coordination Committee shall elect a Chair and two Vice-Chairs.

(2)(a) At each ordinary session of odd number [1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.], the Chair and the second Vice-Chair shall be elected from among the delegates of the ordinary members of the Executive Committee of the Paris Union and the first Vice-Chair shall be elected from among the delegates of the ordinary members of the Executive Committee of the Berne Union.

(b) At each ordinary session of even number [2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.], the Chair and the second Vice-Chair shall be elected from among the delegates of the ordinary members of the Executive Committee of the Berne Union and the first Vice-Chair shall be elected from among the delegates of the ordinary members of the Executive Committee of the Paris Union.

Rule 4: Separate Voting

(1) When a vote is not unanimous and it is necessary to know the respective decisions or opinions of ordinary members and ad hoc members, the vote shall be taken again separately within each of the groups.

(2) When any question is clearly not within the competence of all the groups of members, the vote shall be taken only within the competent group or groups.

Rule 5: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

4. Paris Union Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on September 28, 1970, and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Paris Union shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Draft Agenda

For the ordinary sessions of the Assembly of the Paris Union, the Director General shall prepare the draft agenda according to the instructions of the Executive Committee of the Paris Union.

Rule 3: Election of Ordinary Members of the Executive Committee of the Paris Union

(1) The members of the Executive Committee elected by the Assembly of the Paris Union shall be called ordinary members of that Committee.

(2) Ordinary members of the Executive Committee may be re-elected, but only up to a maximum of two-thirds of such members.

(3) Except where the procedure provided for in Article 34(1) of the General Rules of Procedure is observed, election shall take place in the following manner: the member States shall be called in the alphabetical order of their names in French, after the letter of the alphabet at which the roll-call is to start shall have been drawn by lot; on the calling of the name of each State, the Assembly shall decide whether or not it is re-elected; if necessary, the States last called shall be excluded from re-election if such exclusion is required to ensure that the proportion of two-thirds shall not be exceeded; the Assembly shall then elect the number of new members required to attain the total number to be elected.

Rule 4: Decisions when a Quorum is not Reached

(1) In the case referred to in Article 13(4)(c) of the Paris Convention, the Director General shall immediately communicate those decisions which have not yet taken effect to the States members of the Assembly of the Paris Union which were not represented at the session, together with the report of the session and whatever additional explanations may be necessary.

(2) The period of three months allowed to them to express their vote or abstention shall run from the date on which the communication was sent. Replies shall be taken into consideration only if they reach the Director General within the period allowed.

(3) Replies must come either from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or from the competent authority of the State in question.

Rule 5: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

5. Paris Union Executive Committee

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on September 28, 1970, and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Executive Committee of the Paris Union shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Composition

(1) The Executive Committee of the Paris Union shall be composed of ordinary members and Switzerland in the capacity of ex officio ordinary member.

(2) Ordinary members shall be the States elected by the Assembly of the Paris Union.

Rule 3: Officers

The Chair and the two Vice-Chairs of the Executive Committee of the Paris Union shall be elected from among the delegates of the ordinary members.

Rule 4: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

6. Berne Union Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on September 28, 1970, and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Berne Union shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Draft Agenda

For the ordinary sessions of the Assembly of the Berne Union, the Director General shall prepare the draft agenda according to the instructions of the Executive Committee of the Berne Union.

Rule 3: Election of Ordinary Members of the Executive Committee of the Berne Union

(1) Members of the Executive Committee elected by the Assembly of the Berne Union shall be called ordinary members of that Committee.

(2) Ordinary members of the Executive Committee thus elected may be re-elected, but only up to a maximum of two-thirds of such members.

(3) Except where the procedure provided for in Article 34(1) of the General Rules of Procedure is observed, election shall take place in the following manner: the member States shall be called in the alphabetical order of their names in French, after the letter of the alphabet at which the roll-call is to start shall have been drawn by lot; on the calling of the name of each State, the Assembly shall decide whether or not it is re-elected; if necessary, the States last called shall be excluded from re-election if such exclusion is required to ensure that the proportion of two-thirds shall not be exceeded; the Assembly shall then elect the number of new members required to attain the total number to be elected.

Rule 4: Decisions when a Quorum is not Reached

(1) In the case referred to in Article 22(3)(c) of the Berne Convention, the Director General shall immediately communicate those decisions which have not yet taken effect to the States members of the Assembly of the Berne Union which were not represented at the session, together with the report of the session and whatever additional explanations may be necessary.

(2) The period of three months allowed to them to express their vote or abstention shall run from the date on which the communication was sent. Replies shall be taken into consideration only if they reach the Director General within the period allowed.

(3) Replies shall come either from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or from the competent authority of the State in question.

Rule 5: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

7. Berne Union Executive Committee

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on September 28, 1970, and amended on October 24, 1979, and July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Executive Committee of the Berne Union shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Composition

(1) The Executive Committee of the Berne Union shall be composed of ordinary members and Switzerland in the capacity of ex officio ordinary member.

(2) Ordinary members shall be the States elected by the Assembly of the Berne Union.

Rule 3: Officers

(1) At the first meeting of each session, the Executive Committee of the Berne Union shall elect a Chair and two Vice-Chairs.

(2) The outgoing Chair and Vice-Chairs shall not be immediately eligible for re-election to the office that they have held, except where the election takes place at an extraordinary session.

(3) The Chair and the two Vice-Chairs of the Executive Committee of the Berne Union shall be elected from among the delegates of the ordinary members.

Rule 4: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

8. Madrid Union Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on October 2, 1971, and amended on November 27, 1973, December 15, 1983, July 22, 2022 and July 15, 2023

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Madrid Union shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Decisions When a Quorum is Not Reached

(1) In the case referred to in Article 10(3)(c) of the Stockholm Act of the Madrid Agreement (Marks), the Director General shall immediately communicate those decisions which have not yet taken effect to the States members of the Assembly of the Madrid Union which were not represented at the session, together with the report of the session and whatever additional explanations may be necessary.

(2) The period of three months allowed to them to express their vote or abstention shall run from the date on which the communication was sent. Replies shall be taken into consideration only if they reach the Director General within the period allowed.

(3) Replies must come either from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or from the competent authority of the State in question.

Rule 3: Expenses

(1) The travel and subsistence expenses of one delegate of each Contracting Party shall be borne by the Madrid Union in accordance with WIPO travel policy for third party travelers.

(2) Delegates receiving such allowances must state in writing that their travel or subsistence expenses are not refunded from other sources.

Rule 4: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

9. Hague Union Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on September 27, 1976, and amended on May 28, 1979, October 1, 1985, and July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Hague Union shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Decisions When a Quorum is Not Reached

(1) In the case referred to in Article 2(3)(c) of the Complementary Act of Stockholm of 1967, the Director General shall immediately communicate those decisions which have not yet taken effect to the States members of the Assembly of the Hague Union which were not represented at the session, together with the report of the session and whatever additional explanations may be necessary.

(2) The period of three months allowed to them to express their vote or abstention shall run from the date on which the communication was sent. Replies shall be taken into consideration only if they reach the International Bureau within the period allowed.

(3) Replies shall come from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the competent authority of the State in question.

Rule 2bis: Adoption and Amendment of Certain Provisions of the Regulations

Only the States bound by the 1960 Act shall have the right to vote on the adoption or on any amendment of the provisions of the Regulations under the Hague Agreement which concern the implementation of the said 1960 Act.

Rule 3: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

10. Nice Union Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on September 28, 1970, and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Nice Union shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Decisions When a Quorum is Not Reached

(1) In the case referred to in Article 5(3)(c) of the Nice Agreement, the Director General shall immediately communicate those decisions which have not yet taken effect to the States members of the Assembly of the Nice Union which were not represented at the session, together with the report of the session and whatever additional explanations may be necessary.

(2) The period of three months allowed to them to express their vote or abstention shall run from the date on which the communication was sent. Replies shall be taken into consideration only if they reach the Director General within the period allowed.

(3) Replies shall come from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the competent authority of the State in question.

Rule 3: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

11. Lisbon Union Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on November 27, 1973, and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Lisbon Union shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Decisions When a Quorum is Not Reached

(1) In the case referred to in Article 9(3)(c) of the Stockholm Act of the Lisbon Agreement, the Director General shall immediately communicate those decisions which have not yet taken effect to the States members of the Assembly of the Lisbon Union which were not represented at the session, together with the report of the session and whatever additional explanations may be necessary.

(2) The period of three months allowed to them to express their vote or abstention shall run from the date on which the communication was sent. Replies shall be taken into consideration only if they reach the Director General within the period allowed.

(3) Replies must come either from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or from the competent authority of the State in question.

Rule 3: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

12. Locarno Union Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on October 2, 1971, and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Locarno Union shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Decisions When a Quorum is Not Reached

(1) In the case referred to in Article 5(3)(c) of the Locarno Agreement, the Director General shall immediately communicate those decisions which have not yet taken effect to the States members of the Assembly of the Locarno Union which were not represented at the session, together with the report of the session and whatever additional explanations may be necessary.

(2) The period of three months allowed to them to express their vote or abstention shall run from the date on which the communication was sent. Replies shall be taken into consideration only if they reach the Director General within the period allowed.

(3) Replies must come either from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or from the competent authority of the State in question.

Rule 3: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

13. IPC (International Patent Classification) Union Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on October 9, 1975, and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the IPC Union (hereinafter called “the Assembly”) shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions of the Strasbourg Agreement of 1971, by the resolution of the Assembly of October 7, 1975, and by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Decisions When a Quorum is Not Reached

(1) In the case referred to in Article 7(3)(c) of the Strasbourg Agreement of 1971, the Director General shall immediately communicate those decisions which have not yet taken effect to the States members of the Assembly which were not represented at the session, together with the report of the session and whatever additional explanations may be necessary.

(2) The period of three months allowed to them to express their vote or abstention shall run from the date on which the communication was sent. Replies shall be taken into consideration only if they reach the International Bureau within the period allowed.

(3) Replies shall come from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the competent authority of the State in question.

Rule 3: Special Observers

(1) Any State member of the Paris Union which is not a member of the IPC Union but which has pledged special contributions to defray the expenses of the IPC Union in a given year shall, during that year, have the status of special observer in all sessions of the Assembly and of any committee or working group established by the Assembly.

(2) Any special observer shall have the right to make proposals in any of the sessions referred to in paragraph (1).

Rule 4: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

14. PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) Union Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on April 10, 1978, and amended on February 3, 1984, and July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the International Patent Cooperation (PCT) Union shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Special Observers

Intergovernmental authorities having the power to grant patents effective in one or more States members of the PCT Union shall be invited as “special observers” to all sessions of the Assembly. They shall have the same rights in the sessions of the Assembly as States members of the Assembly, except the right to vote.

Rule 3: Draft Agenda

The draft agenda of each session shall be drawn up by the Director General. In the case of ordinary sessions, such draft shall follow the instructions of the Executive Committee once the Executive Committee is established (see PCT Articles 53(9) and 54(6)(a)). In the case of extraordinary sessions, the said draft shall include the item or items mentioned in the request referred to in Article 53(11)(b) of the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

Rule 4: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published in the Gazette of the PCT Union and on the WIPO website.

15. Budapest Union Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on September 22, 1980, and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Union for the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure (Budapest Union) shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session of the Assembly referred to in Rule 1, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

16. Vienna Union Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on October 1, 1985, and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Vienna Union shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Decisions When a Quorum is Not Reached

(1) In the case referred to in Article 7(3)(c) of the Vienna Agreement, the Director General shall immediately communicate those decisions which have not yet taken effect to the States members of the Assembly of the Vienna Union which were not represented at the session, together with the report of the session and whatever additional explanations may be necessary.

(2) The period of three months allowed to them to express their vote or abstention shall run from the date on which the communication was sent. Replies shall be taken into consideration only if they reach the Director General within the period allowed.

(3) Replies must come either from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or from the competent authority of the State in question.

Rule 3: Publication of the Report

The report on the work of each session of the Assembly, or a summary drawn up by the International Bureau, shall be published on the WIPO website.

17. WIPO Copyright Treaty Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on October 1, 2002, and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Delegations

(1) Each State member of a body shall be represented by one or more delegates, who may be assisted by alternates, advisors, and experts.

(2) Any intergovernmental organization which becomes a party to the WCT in accordance with Article 17(2) or (3) of that Treaty shall be deemed a delegation, and shall accrue the same benefits as a State delegation, in accordance with the provisions of these rules.

(3) Each delegation shall have a head of delegation.

(4) Any alternate, advisor or expert may act as delegate by orders of the head of his delegation.

(5) Delegates and alternates shall be accredited by the competent authority of the State or intergovernmental organization which they represent. The Director General shall be notified of their appointment in writing, issuing preferably from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the competent authority of the intergovernmental organization.

Rule 3: Voting

(1) Proposals and amendments submitted by a delegation shall be put to the vote only if they are supported by at least one other delegation.

(2) Any Contracting Party that is an intergovernmental organization may participate in the vote, in place of its Member States, with a number of votes equal to the number of its Member States which are party to this Treaty. No such intergovernmental organization shall participate in the vote if any one of its Member States exercises its right to vote and vice versa.

18. WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on October 1, 2002 and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Delegations

(1) Each State member of a body shall be represented by one or more delegates, who may be assisted by alternates, advisors, and experts.

(2) Any intergovernmental organization which becomes a party to the WPPT in accordance with Article 26(2) or (3) of that Treaty shall be deemed a delegation, and shall accrue the same benefits as a State delegation, in accordance with the provisions of these rules.

(3) Each delegation shall have a head of delegation.

(4) Any alternate, advisor or expert may act as delegate by orders of the head of his delegation.

(5) Delegates and alternates shall be accredited by the competent authority of the State or intergovernmental organization which they represent. The Director General shall be notified of their appointment in writing, issuing preferably from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the competent authority of the intergovernmental organization.

Rule 3: Voting

(1) Proposals and amendments submitted by a delegation shall be put to the vote only if they are supported by at least one other delegation.

(2) Any Contracting Party that is an intergovernmental organization may participate in the vote, in place of its Member States, with a number of votes equal to the number of its Member States which are party to this Treaty. No such intergovernmental organization shall participate in the vote if any one of its Member States exercises its right to vote and vice versa.

19. Patent Law Treaty Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on October 5, 2005 and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Patent Law Treaty (PLT) shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Delegations

(1) Each State member of a body shall be represented by one or more delegates, who may be assisted by alternates, advisors, and experts.

(2) Any intergovernmental organization which becomes a party to the PLT in accordance with Article 20(2) or (3) of that Treaty shall be deemed a delegation, and shall enjoy, in the Assembly, the same rights as a State delegation, in accordance with the provisions of these rules.

(3) Each delegation shall have a head of delegation.

(4) Any alternate, advisor or expert may act as delegate by orders of the head of the delegation.

(5) Delegates and alternates shall be accredited by the competent authority of the State or intergovernmental organization which they represent. The Director General shall be notified of the appointment of delegates and alternates in writing, issuing preferably from either the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the competent authority of the intergovernmental organization.

Rule 3: Voting

(1) Proposals and amendments submitted by a delegation shall be put to the vote only if they are supported by at least one other delegation.

(2) Any Contracting Party that is an intergovernmental organization may participate in the vote, in place of its Member States, with a number of votes equal to the number of its Member States which are party to this Treaty. No such intergovernmental organization shall participate in the vote if any one of its Member States exercises its right to vote and vice versa. In addition, no such intergovernmental organization shall participate in the vote if any one of its Member States party to this Treaty is a Member State of another such intergovernmental organization and that other intergovernmental organization participates in that vote.

20. Singapore Treaty Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on October 1, 2009

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks (the Singapore Treaty) shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Delegations

(1) Each State member of a body shall be represented by one or more delegates, who may be assisted by alternates, advisors, and experts.

(2) Any intergovernmental organization which becomes a party to the Singapore Treaty in accordance with Article 26(1)(ii) of that Treaty shall be deemed a delegation, and shall enjoy, in the Assembly, the same rights as a State delegation, in accordance with the provisions of these rules.

(3) Each delegation shall have a head of delegation.

(4) Any alternate, advisor or expert may act as delegate by orders of the head of his delegation.

(5) Each delegate or alternate shall be accredited by the competent authority of the State or intergovernmental organization which he or she represents. The Director General shall be notified of the appointment of delegates and alternates in writing, issuing preferably from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the competent authority of the intergovernmental organization.

Rule 3: Voting

(1) Proposals and amendments submitted by a delegation shall be put to the vote only if they are supported by at least one other delegation.

(2) Any Contracting Party that is an intergovernmental organization may participate in the vote, in place of its Member States, with a number of votes equal to the number of its Member States which are party to this Treaty. No such intergovernmental organization shall participate in the vote if any one of its Member States exercises its right to vote and vice versa. In addition, no such intergovernmental organization shall participate in the vote if any one of its Member States party to this Treaty is a Member State of another such intergovernmental organization and that other intergovernmental organization participates in that vote.

21. Marrakesh Treaty Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on October 11, 2016 and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled (the Marrakesh Treaty) shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Officers

(1) The Assembly shall elect a Chair and two Vice-Chairs, who shall remain in office for two ordinary sessions.

(2) The outgoing Chair and Vice-Chairs shall not be immediately eligible for reelection to the office which they have held.

Rule 3: Delegations

(1) Each State member of a body shall be represented by one or more delegates, who may be assisted by alternates, advisors, and experts.

(2) Any intergovernmental organization that becomes a party to the Marrakesh Treaty in accordance with Article 15(2) of that Treaty shall be deemed a delegation, and shall enjoy, in the Assembly, the same rights as a State delegation, except as otherwise provided in these rules.

(3) Each delegation shall have a head of delegation.

(4) Any alternate, advisor or expert may act as delegate by orders of the head of his or her delegation.

(5) Each delegate or alternate shall be accredited by the competent authority of the State or intergovernmental organization which he or she represents. The Director General shall be notified of the appointment of delegates and alternates in writing, issuing preferably from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the competent authority of the intergovernmental organization.

Rule 4: Voting

(1) Proposals and amendments submitted by a delegation shall be put to the vote only if they are supported by at least one other delegation.

(2) Each Contracting Party that is a State shall have one vote and shall vote in its own name.

(3) Any Contracting Party that is an intergovernmental organization may participate in the vote, in place of its Member States, with a number of votes equal to the number of its Member States that are party to this Treaty. No such intergovernmental organization shall participate in the vote if any one of its Member States exercises its right to vote and vice versa. In addition, no such intergovernmental organization shall participate in the vote if any one of its Member States party to this Treaty is a Member State of another such intergovernmental organization and that other intergovernmental organization participates in that vote.

Rule 5: Quorum

One-half of the States members of the Marrakesh Treaty Assembly shall constitute a quorum.

Rule 6: Convocation of Extraordinary Sessions

The Assembly shall meet in extraordinary session upon convocation by the Director General at the request of one-fourth of the States members of the Assembly.

22. Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances Assembly

RULES OF PROCEDURE adopted on September 25, 2020, and amended on July 22, 2022

Rule 1: Application of the General Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (Beijing Treaty) shall consist of the General Rules of Procedure of WIPO, supplemented and amended by the provisions set forth hereinafter.

Rule 2: Officers

(1) The Assembly shall elect a Chair and two Vice-Chairs, who shall remain in office for two ordinary sessions.

(2) The outgoing Chair and Vice-Chairs shall not be immediately eligible for reelection to the office, which they have held.

Rule 3: Delegations

(1) Each State member of a body shall be represented by one or more delegates, who may be assisted by alternates, advisors, and experts.

(2) Any intergovernmental organization that becomes a party to the Beijing Treaty in accordance with Article 23(2) of that Treaty shall be deemed a delegation, and shall enjoy, in the Assembly, the same rights as a State delegation, except as otherwise provided in these rules.

(3) Each delegation shall have a head of delegation.

(4) Any alternate, advisor or expert may act as delegate by orders of the head of his or her delegation.

(5) Each delegate or alternate shall be accredited by the competent authority of the State or intergovernmental organization which he or she represents. The Director General shall be notified of the appointment of delegates and alternates in writing, issuing preferably from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the competent authority of the intergovernmental organization.

Rule 4: Voting

(1) Proposals and amendments submitted by a delegation shall be put to the vote only if they are supported by at least one other delegation.

(2) Each Contracting Party that is a State shall have one vote and shall vote in its own name.

(3) Any Contracting Party that is an intergovernmental organization may participate in the vote, in place of its Member States, with a number of votes equal to the number of its Member States that are party to this Treaty. No such intergovernmental organization shall participate in the vote if any one of its Member States exercises its right to vote and vice versa. In addition, no such intergovernmental organization shall participate in the vote if any one of its Member States party to this Treaty is a Member State of another such intergovernmental organization and that other intergovernmental organization participates in that vote.

Rule 5: Quorum

One-half of the States members of the Beijing Treaty Assembly shall constitute a quorum.

Rule 6: Convocation of Extraordinary Sessions

The Assembly shall meet in extraordinary session upon convocation by the Director General at the request of one-fourth of the States members of the Assembly.

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