WIPO Publishes Study on Intellectual Property Policies and Wealth Creation
Geneva, January 4, 2000
Press Releases PR/2000/202
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published today a case study on the link between intellectual property and wealth creation in Japan. Intellectual Property Policies for the Twenty-First Century: The Japanese Experience in Wealth Creation is written by Mr. Hisamitsu Arai, Vice Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Japan. Mr. Arai, one of the leading thinkers in the field of intellectual property policy today, is a co-founding member of WIPO's Policy Advisory Commission (PAC), a non-constitutional body set up to advise WIPO's Director General, Dr. Kamil Idris, on the Organization's vision and strategic direction. Mr. Arai's book has been published as one of a series of studies conceived and initiated by the PAC.
Dr. Idris described the study as "an important reference on intellectual property policies in various countries." "The timing of the publication is auspicious, coming during a period of considerable economic change," he said. The Director General added "I truly hope this book is widely read and becomes a source of discussion on intellectual property policy in the 21st Century."
The book describes how Japan introduced the patent system over a century ago and subsequently used it as a major tool in the development of its economy. Mr. Arai draws on a wealth of knowledge in intellectual property policy-making to discuss the Japanese experience, its success stories and lessons. It outlines the advantages to industry and the private sector of a strong patent system and the strategic importance of patents in maintaining and strengthening trading performance. With increased recognition of the economic importance of patents, companies in Japan are enhancing their intellectual property operations and conducting employee awareness campaigns that focus on intellectual property rights issues.
In the study, Mr. Arai emphasizes the need to globalize intellectual property rights management practices. He also suggests improvements in patent administration in the future, in particular by exploiting the opportunities presented by rapidly evolving information technologies.
Mr. Arai served as Commissioner of the Japanese Patent Office from 1996-1998 and was responsible for the domestic reform of Japanese patent administration. He also led nation-wide discussions on intellectual property policy, resulting in the 1997 Report of the Commission on Intellectual Property Rights in the 21st Century. He has represented Japan in many international trade negotiations, including in the World Trade Organization (Uruguay Round) and has been involved in the drafting of national policy for the high-technology manufacturing industry.
This publication may be ordered via the WIPO Electronic Bookshop at www.wipo.int/ebookshop.
For further information, please call the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section:
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