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WIPO INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMISSION / WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DECLARATION

http://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/releases/2000/p242.htm


Press Release PR/2000/242

Geneva, September 27, 2000

PRINCE HASSAN BIN TALAL PRESENTS WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DECLARATION TO ASSEMBLY

Efforts to expand awareness about the universal value of intellectual property were reinforced on Tuesday when the World Intellectual Property Declaration, a strong message about the importance of intellectual property as a tool for wealth creation, was formally presented to WIPO’s 175 member states by Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan. The Declaration was adopted by the Policy Advisory Commission (PAC) of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), an advisory body to Director General Dr. Kamil Idris that is chaired by Prince Hassan. The PAC is composed of eminent policy makers including Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov, former President Fidel Ramos of the Philippines, and Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr. Hisamitsu Arai.

The General Assembly of WIPO formally noted the Declaration on the same day.

The Declaration (attached), initiated by Mr. Arai, recognizes the universal value and relevance of intellectual property in today’s knowledge-based societies. In his presentation to the annual session of the WIPO General Assembly, Prince Hassan said, "the declaration itself lays the foundations for a common understanding...not only on the nature but also on the scope of the basic notions related to intellectual property as well as relevant guiding principles concerning the necessary equity within the intellectual property system.

Prince Hassan said "the Declaration illustrates how intellectual property is native to all peoples, is relevant in all times and cultures and underlines how it has marked the world's evolution and contributed historically to the progress of societies." The Declaration highlights the importance of strategies to enhance global cooperation in implementing and further developing the intellectual property system for the benefit of all.

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.

When WIPO Director General, Dr. Kamil Idris, took the leadership of the Organization in November 1997 he realized that intellectual property issues were not high enough on the agenda of national leaders. This was the main reason for establishing the PAC, which is purely advisory in nature. Today, intellectual property is a policy strategy as well as a business strategy for business leaders.

The Assembly also took note of a document prepared by PAC member Mr. Henry Olsson, Special Government Advisor at the Swedish Ministry of Justice, on the role of WIPO in a changing world. The paper addresses the main controversial issues today in the field of intellectual property such as patent protection for plants, pharmaceuticals, and genes and indicates possible approaches to tackle these issues.

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

Tel.: +41 22-338 81 61 or 338 95 47 Fax: +41 22-338 88 10 Email: publicinf@wipo.int


See

http://www.wipo.int/eng/document/govbody/wo_gb_ga/pdf/ga26_4.pdf

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