WIPO Hosts Colloquium on "standards and Patents"

Geneva, November 20, 2006
Media Alerts MA/2006/25

On Wednesday, November 29, 2006, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is hosting the second in a series of colloquia on patents that is scheduled to take place between October 2006 and September 2007 at its headquarters in Geneva. The second colloquium is on the subject of "Standards and Patents."

Technology standards are a key factor in boosting consumer choice, through greater interoperability and in enabling companies to develop their technology and know-how around commonly accepted principles and protocols. While technology standards are essential for the widespread adoption of new technologies, and in enabling companies to become more competitive in an expanded global market place, there is scope for conflict between patents and technology standards when the implementation of the latter requires the use of patented technology. For example, although the objective of a standard setting process is to establish standardized technology that can be used as widely as possible, a technology company or right holder may have an interest in establishing its own patented technology as the industry standard, thereby maximizing its benefit from royalties. Alternatively, a patent holder may prevent the implementation of the standard by refusing to license its protected technology or by claiming unreasonably high royalties.

The two invited speakers will address these and other issues related to the relationship between patents and technology standards from different perspectives and will respond to any questions from the audience.

The program is available at: https://www.wipo.int/patent/colloquia/en/2006/11/index.html. The event is open to the general public. Anyone interested in attending the meeting is requested to complete the on-line registration form at https://www.wipo.int/patent/colloquia/en/registration.html. Information on the full series of WIPO Patent Colloquia is available from : https://www.wipo.int/patent/colloquia/en/.

For further information please contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section at (+ 41 22) 338 81 61, 338 95 47 Fax: (+41 22) 338 82 80, E-mail: publicinf@wipo.int.