The IP system, when effectively linked with related policy areas, provides an invaluable foundation for innovative activities, foreign direct investment, job creation in high-tech and creative sectors, and trade in knowledge products.

Advances in digital technology and initiatives such as free trade zones and regional trade agreements offer opportunities for enhancing the contribution of IP to sustainable economic growth, but equally risk increased exposure to infringing trade that impair those benefits.

This session considers how the multilateral IP framework can support innovation, trade and sustainable economic growth in today's interlinked global economy, and how to adapt to the changing patterns of production and trade.

Discussion points

• How to link innovation strategies with IP rights to drive economic growth and to create sustainable employment and trading opportunities, with a focus on micro, small and medium sized enterprises.
• How to preserve the balance between economic opportunities in the knowledge economy and the pursuit of public policy objectives.
• How to ensure IP rights are respected in digital trade and in extended supply chains, including through blockchain technology.

(Panel organized by WTO)

Moderator

Mr. Eddie Hurter

Associate Professor, University of South Africa

Panelists

Mr. Kwee Tiang Ang

Regional Director, Asian Regional Office, International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI)

Ms. Agata Gerba

Deputy Head, Intellectual Property and Public Procurement, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission

Dr. Keith Nurse

Senior Fellow, Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies, and WTO Chair, University of the West Indies, Barbados

Mr. Daniel Roberto Pinto

Minister, Intellectual Property Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brazil

Dr. Dominik Thor

Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Vaultitude, Gibraltar

Regional organizations are important contributors to economic growth, social and cultural development and global stability.

Around the world, countries have grouped together, establishing trade blocs, customs unions and even common judicial systems, in the pursuit of higher living standards for their people. Many such groupings have recognized the important role of IP for achieving technological advancements, stimulating innovation and creativity, and transforming regions into dynamic and competitive landscapes.

As a result, cooperation and mutual assistance within regional organizations, including through the exchange of information, harmonization of certain policy areas and coordination of activities, also extend to building respect for IP.

Discussion points

• What common services exist and what activities are undertaken by regional organizations in the area of IP? How do these fit into the organizations’ broader missions?
• What added value can be derived from regional collaboration to ensure balanced IP enforcement?
• The role of regional organizations in linking domestic and multilateral policies for building respect for IP.

(Panel organized by CIPC, DTI and WIPO)

Moderator

Ms. Nomonde Maimela

Executive Manager, Innovation and Creativity, CIPC, DTI

Panelists

Mr. Rongai Chizema

Chief, Technical Advisor and Head, Implementation and Coordination Unit, Department of Trade and Industry, African Union Commission

Mr. Lungile Dukwana

Chief, Strategy Executive, CIPC, DTI (representing the BRICS Association)

Mr. François-Régis Hannart

Principal Director, European and International Co-operation, European Patent Office (EPO)

Ms. Josephine Santiago

Director General, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), and Chair, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Network of Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Experts (ANIEE)

Ms. Gidget Alexandria Valdivia

Intellectual Property Officer, General Secretariat of the Andean Community

Judicial procedures and IP rights apply within territorial boundaries, but increasingly they are confronted with the reality of today’s commerce, where ordinary market transactions involve a host of different entities and activities that cross borders. 

This session reviews the developments affecting the nature of the work of courts around the world, as complex issues emanating from the transnational nature of IP disputes are left to domestic judicial resolution.

Discussion points

• Defining IP rights in the digital environment and emerging remedies.
• Application of private international law in IP disputes.
• Emergence of regional and international courts.
• Goods in transit

(Panel organized by WIPO)

Moderator

Ms. Eun-Joo Min

Acting Head, Division for the Judicial Administration of IP, Office of the Legal Counsel, WIPO

Panelists

The Hon. Mr. Justice YA Dato' Lim Chong Fong

Judge, High Court of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Hon. Mr. Justice Louis Harms

Former Deputy President, Supreme Court of Appeal, South Africa

The Hon. Mr. Justice Lambert Max Ndéma Elongué

President, Court of First Instance, Yaoundé, Cameroon

The Hon. Dr. Justice Jan Tolkmitt

Presiding Judge, Hamburg Regional Court, Germany

As a key component of their work, inter-governmental organizations (IGOs) active in the field of building respect for IP provide technical assistance to their members. United by a common objective, these organizations equip countries with the necessary means and know-how to ensure that IP rights serve consumer protection, social and economic development and other public interests.

In line with its own mandate and area of expertise, each IGO employs a distinct set of tools and approaches in training different actors involved in the protection of IP rights and the prevention of counterfeiting and piracy. Complementarity and active partnerships between IGOs ensure efficiency and effectiveness in addressing the broad spectrum of their members’ needs.

By means of concrete examples, this session will illustrate the value that different IGOs can offer to countries seeking to strengthen national respect for IP.

Discussion points

• Defining the focus of and approach to capacity building adopted by each IGO.
• Success stories and challenges in the provision of technical assistance.
• How IGOs cooperate in the area of capacity building.

(Panel organized by WIPO, INTERPOL, WCO and WTO)

Moderator

Mr. Minelik Alemu Getahun

Assistant Director General, Global Issues Sector, WIPO

Panelists

Ms. Ana B. Hinojosa

Director, Compliance and Facilitation, WCO

Mr. Fernando Dos Santos

Director General, African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO)

Mr. Roger Kampf

Counsellor, Intellectual Property, Government Procurement and Competition Division, WTO

Ms. Kirstine Pedersen

Head, International IP Crime Investigators College, Illicit Goods and Global Health Program, INTERPOL

Ms. Louise van Greunen

Director, Building Respect for IP Division, Global Issues Sector, WIPO