WIPO Hosts a Symposium on IP and Multilateral Environmental Agreements

On August 26, 2008, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is organizing under its Life Sciences Program a Symposium that will explore intellectual property (IP) rights and their role in the development and transfer of technologies within the context of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Many MEAs contain technology transfer provisions around which IP issues arise.  The event will provide an opportunity for policy makers and other stakeholders to share their experiences and to explore the IP dimensions of technology transfer provisions contained in MEAs. 

 

The development, application and transfer of technology are core elements in the implementation of MEAs. The Symposium aims to foster a better understanding of the types of IP issues that may arise in the context of the implementation of MEAs. It will further build on previous work on patent landscaping (please see: https://www.wipo.int/meetings/en/2008/lifesciences/patent_landscaping/) and highlight the use of patent information tools and their usefulness in identifying technological developments of relevance to the environment and in facilitating the transfer of appropriate technologies within the context of MEAs. The event aims to promote a better understanding of the potential benefits as well as the limitations of IP rights in supporting technology transfer under MEAs.

 

WIPO’s Symposia on Life Sciences and Intellectual Property Policy aim to enhance understanding of topical issues of concern to policymakers by providing a forum for stakeholders (including international policymakers, government agencies, legislators, delegates, civil society and the private sector) to exchange information and ideas on IP as it relates to the life sciences. They are designed to promote better understanding of the role and practical importance of the IP system to the life sciences and its potential in supporting the development of public policy within this rapidly evolving field. 

 

Information on the full series of WIPO Life Sciences Symposia is available at https://www.wipo.int/patentscope/en/lifesciences/. The event is open to the general public and is free-of-charge. Anyone interested in attending the meeting is requested to complete the on-line registration form.