What is the World Intellectual Property Organization up to now? The
IPKat has received a circular announcing WIPO's latest venture -- it's
hosting a Symposium on IP and Multilateral Environmental Agreements in
Geneva.
Right: in the Great IP Garden, trade marks are the perennials but you
have to plant a load of patents in the hope that you'll get any
flowering ones.
According to press circular 2008MA/2008/42, "On August 26, 2008, ...
WIPO is organizing under its Life Sciences Program a Symposium that
will explore intellectual property (IP) rights and their role in the
development and transfer of technologies within the context of
Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Many MEAs contain
technology transfer provisions around which IP issues arise. The event
will provide an opportunity for policy makers and other stakeholders to
share their experiences and to explore the IP dimensions of technology
transfer provisions contained in MEAs.The development, application and
transfer of technology are core elements in the implementation of MEAs.
The Symposium aims to foster a better understanding of the types of IP
issues that may arise in the context of the implementation of MEAs. It
will further build on previous work on patent landscaping ... and
highlight the use of patent information tools and their usefulness in
identifying technological developments of relevance to the environment
and in facilitating the transfer of appropriate technologies within the
context of MEAs. The event aims to promote a better understanding of
the potential benefits as well as the limitations of IP rights in
supporting technology transfer under MEAs.WIPO’s Symposia on Life
Sciences and Intellectual Property Policy aim to enhance understanding
of topical issues of concern to policymakers by providing a forum for
stakeholders (including international policymakers, government
agencies, legislators, delegates, civil society and the private sector)
to exchange information and ideas on IP as it relates to the life
sciences. They are designed to promote better understanding of the role
and practical importance of the IP system to the life sciences and its
potential in supporting the development of public policy within this
rapidly evolving field".You can get information on the full series of
WIPO Life Sciences Symposia here. The event is open to the general
public; admission is free of charge. Anyone interested in attending the
meeting can do so by completing the online registration form.
The IPKat is delighted to see that WIPO is prepared to take the
discussion of the merits of IP rights into the enemy heartlands, as it
were, by engaging environmental lobbyists and others who are often
automatically anti-IP because they see it as a politico-economic issue
and as a means of exercising control over the poor and the oppressed.
Merpel's applause is more muted: if you really want to open the debate,
the idea's fine -- and so is the free admission -- but wouldn't it be
great to hold this symposium in a place where it cost a little less to
buy a cup of coffee?
Advice for landscape gardeners hereThe constant gardener here

--
Posted By Jeremy to IPKat - news and fun for everyone! on 7/20/2008
04:52:00 PM