PAC to Probe Changes in Intellectual Property Landscape
Geneva, October 9, 2001
Press Releases PR/2001/293
The Presidents of Bulgaria, Malta and Romania will join other eminent members of the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Policy Advisory Commission (PAC) at a meeting in Geneva on Thursday, October 11, 2001 to discuss ways to promote and improve understanding of the international intellectual property system as a tool for wealth creation, social progress and cultural enrichment. Talks will focus on reform of the international patent system as well as the question of traditional knowledge, folklore and access to genetic resources and the link to intellectual property.
The PAC will consider the "WIPO Patent Agenda", an important new initiative launched last month by Dr. Kamil Idris, WIPO Director General, to develop a strategic blueprint for the future evolution of the international patent system. The participants will hear a report outlining the present situation and proposals for the future development of a simple, inexpensive, timely and reliable international patent system. Continued growth in the filing of patents around the world and increased public interest in the question of patents has fuelled pressure for fundamental change in the international patent system. PAC members, all experienced in policy making and international diplomacy, are expected to provide useful insight on how the patent system can be used as a policy tool to gain general economic benefits, while bearing in mind that a proper balance needs to be maintained between the interests of patent owners and the public.
The PAC will also hear a presentation on work being done relating to the intellectual property aspects of traditional knowledge, folklore and access to genetic resources. Taking into account the work of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (ICG), the PAC is expected to explore ways to advance an understanding of the relationship between intellectual property and traditional knowledge, folklore and access to genetic resources.
The PAC, made up of eminent personalities in the fields of politics, diplomacy, law and public administration, is mandated to enhance WIPO's capacity to monitor and respond in a timely, informed and effective manner to international and regional developments in intellectual property, information technology and other fields bearing on WIPO's operations and policy environment.
Since its establishment in 1999, the PAC, under the chairmanship of HRH Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, has been instrumental in raising awareness among policy makers and the public at large of the role and importance of intellectual property as a strategically important tool for economic development, wealth creation, social progress and cultural enrichment. This message is captured in the World Intellectual Property Declaration issued by the PAC in September 2000 which was designed to send a strong message about the universal value of intellectual property. The Declaration recommends the implementation of a wide range of activities designed to promote public awareness, dissemination of value-added intellectual property information and better international registration services. It outlines measures to promote effective use of intellectual property and protect cultural diversity and identity.
The PAC is a purely advisory body designed to assist the Director General in identifying policies to deal with new and emerging trends in intellectual property. The internationalization of markets and the rapid pace of scientific and communications technologies have underlined the need to develop new visions and strategies to meet the challenges of the 21st century. WIPO is the leading international organization charged with promoting creative endeavor and protection of intellectual property through cooperation between states. Given the importance of intellectual property as a tool for economic and cultural development, it is essential that the Organization remains responsive to the changing needs and concerns of all users of the international intellectual property system.
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