WIPO Awards Medals at Geneva Invention Shows
Geneva, April 14, 2000
Press Releases PR/2000/216
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) rewarded two inventors at the 28th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions by presenting them with medals. The distinctions went to the best invention by a woman and the best invention by a national from a developing country. The WIPO Gold Medal Scheme is part of the Organization's commitment to promote innovation at every level of society in every part of the world.
The winners are Mr. Omar Husaini, a national of Malaysia, in recognition of a strength measuring device for weak rock and hard soils (II-Ometer) and Mrs. Katja Hardenfels, a German national, for "Master Pad", a universal memory aid for use especially as a notification system for medical treatments. The "Master Pad" can also be used during natural disasters and deep-sea diving.
Attribution of the two WIPO Gold Medal Awards was decided by an international jury designated by the organizers of the Geneva Exhibition. The WIPO Gold Medal Award consists of a gold-plated medal and a certificate signed by the Director General of WIPO, accompanied by a token cash prize of 2,000 US Dollars. The first WIPO awards were presented at the 8th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions in 1979. Since that time, forty-one WIPO Gold Medals have been awarded at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, to inventors from 26 countries. Among the winners were 23 inventors from developing countries, 15 women and 4 young inventors.
"The Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions provides an excellent opportunity for inventors from all over the world to showcase their inventions. It is a unique gathering that we are very pleased to be associated with since 1979," said Mr. Vladimir Yossifov, Director of WIPO's Division for Infrastructure Services and Innovation Promotion. "Invention fairs give inventors the opportunity to attract the attention of business partners for joint ventures or licensing."
WIPO's Gold Medal Award Scheme seeks to stimulate inventive and innovative activity around the world, particularly in developing countries. The award serves to attract and enhance public recognition of inventors and their work. Granting of the medals also improves the image of inventors through recognition of their merits as creators who contribute to national wealth and development. Until present, 573 WIPO Gold Medals have been awarded to inventors from 78 countries, including women, young inventors and children.
For further information please contact:
Mr. Vladimir Yossifov:
- Tel: (+41 22) 338 94 91
- E-mail: innovpro.mail@wipo.int.
- or
Media Relations and Public Affairs Section:
- Tel:(+ 41 22) 338 81 61
- Fax: (+41 22) 338 88 10
- E-mail: publicinf@wipo.int.