Policy and Legislative Assistance

Bringing together IP actors

We organize meetings between government officials involved with IP matters and the heads of IP offices. These meetings encourage and enable the exchange of experiences and good practices and help government officials keep up-to-date with the latest devleopments in the world of IP and at WIPO, to discuss upcoming challenges, and more. Meetings can touch on any of the relevant policy areas: IP and trade, health, sports, etc.

Consultations with government officials

Tailor-made consultations can take place at WIPO HQ in Geneva or in one of our member states. The aim is to bring government officials and IP experts at WIPO together to work on key policy topics. Some examples of work areas include how to optimize the functioning of an IP system, how IP can contribute to other related policy areas, etc.

Legislative advice

Legislative advice is provided in the areas of copyright, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, geographical indications, genetic resources, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions , and building respect for IP only at the request of a member state or a regional intergovernmental organization. This advice is consistent with international legal obligations and tailored to specific needs and level of socio-economic development of the requesting party.

It is strictly bilateral and confidential and is in relation to:

• the revision / update of an existing law or regulation in its entirety or in part;
• the drafting of a new law or regulation;
• the ratification or accession process for becoming a member of an existing treaty;
• the implementation and enforcement of a new law, regulation or treaty (including assistance in informing relevant stakeholders);
• national compliance with international treaty obligations or with negotiated bilateral or regional agreements; and
• the implementation of flexibilities contained in the international treaties”.