Delegation of Senior Thai Judges Visits WIPO

Geneva, May 15, 2001
Press Releases PR/2001/266

A delegation of judges from the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court of Thailand met with officials of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on May 15, 2001. The Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court is a unique judicial institution that deals exclusively with cases related to intellectual property and international trade disputes.

The Thai delegation was briefed on WIPO's overall mandate and functions, technical cooperation activities with developing countries, particularly with Thailand, and on the Organization's work in the areas of legislative reform, arbitration and mediation, and the Internet domain name process. The briefing session was chaired by the Director of WIPO's Asia-Pacific bureau, Mr. Narendra K. Sabharwal, who pointed out that WIPO had fruitful and ongoing collaboration with Thailand's Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court as well as with the Government of Thailand.

The Thai judges showed keen interest in WIPO's activities relating to strengthening and modernization of intellectual property systems in developing countries, especially reform of legislation. They also expressed interest in the work done by WIPO's Arbitration and Mediation Center as well as in the area of dispute resolution relating to domain names. These areas were of great relevance to Thailand given the rapid advances being made in electronic commerce in the country.

"Though the visit had been a short one, yet it had been very informative and enlightening for the delegation, " said Mr. Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, Acting Chief Justice of the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court on the conclusion of the briefing session. He also expressed deep appreciation for WIPO's many and varied development cooperation activities from which Thailand, including the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court, had greatly benefited.

The Thai delegation was led by Mr. Wichitcholchai, and included, Mr. Kittiyaporn Atmiyanan, Senior Judge Mr. Supis Praneetpolkrung, Judge, Mr. Praphad Phodhivorakhun, Associate Judge, Mr. Pianchai Ninsuvannakul, Associate Judge, Mr. Thaweesakdhi Suvagondha, Associate Judge, Mr. Pramote Bhongse-Tong, Associate Judge, Mr. Erwin Muller, Associate Judge, Mr. Phornsin Phacharintanakul, Associate Judge, Mr. Supant Mongkolsuthree, Associate Judge and Mr. Prasob Snongjati, Associate Judge.

For more information please contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section at +41 22-338 81 61 or +41 22-338 95 47 or E-mail: publicinf@wipo.int.