WIPO Launches Opportunity for Stakeholders to Participate in IP Policy Debate

Geneva, May 30, 2005
Press Releases PR/2005/408

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will host an online forum on Intellectual Property in the Information Society - from June 1 to 15, 2005 - at https://www.wipo.int/ipisforum/. The forum will provide a unique opportunity for all to contribute to the emerging debate on the value of intellectual property in the information society.

"This initiative is part of WIPO's continuing efforts to raise awareness about intellectual property issues, encourage debate and ensure that the intellectual property system is accessible, balanced and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders," said Mrs. Rita Hayes, WIPO Deputy Director General. "WIPO is looking forward to a lively and extensive debate in the online forum."

The WIPO online forum is designed to encourage an open debate on a number of themes related to intellectual property and the information society in light of the goals of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). The themes examine the relationship between the intellectual property system and the information society; including issues of freedom of information and creativity, development goals, cultural diversity and emerging opportunities and challenges for use of intellectual property in the digital environment.

The themes of the forum, background resources and questions relating to each theme will be posted on June 1, 2005, at https://www.wipo.int/ipisforum/. Anyone can post their comments on the forum over a two-week period from June 1 to 15, 2005. Comments will be invited on 10 themes:

  1. The WSIS Declaration of Principles sets out a vision for the information society – how can the intellectual property system support this vision?
  2. The intellectual property system and freedom of expression and creativity: Help or hindrance?
  3. The public domain and open access models of information creation: at odds with the intellectual property system or enabled by it?
  4. What is the impact of copyright law, both at international and national levels, on education and research?
  5. What are the rights and responsibilities of intellectual property rightsholders?
  6. Global partnerships to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals: what role for intellectual property?
  7. How is intellectual property policy made for the information society: and who makes it?
  8. How can cultural and intellectual diversity of traditional communities be respected in the information society?
  9. Emerging business models for distributing intellectual property online: opportunity or threat?
  10. What are the challenges for enforcement of intellectual property rights in the digital environment?

The conclusions of the online forum will form part of WIPO's contribution to the WSIS.

For further information, please contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section at WIPO:

  • Tel: (+41 22) 338 81 61 or (+41 22) 338 95 47;
  • E-mail: publicinf@wipo.int
  • Fax: (+41 22) 338 82 80.