FITUG e.V.
Förderverein Informationstechnik und Gesellschaft
FITUG e.V.Förderverein Informationstechnik und Gesellschaft |
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http://www.wipo.int/eng/pressrel/2000/p228.htm
Press Release PR/2000/228
Geneva, June 27, 2000
BOOK HIGHLIGHTS SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION
The World Intellectual Property Protection (WIPO) has published a book on the policy considerations underpinning the economic value of effective protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. The book is authored by Mr. Shahid Alikhan, a leading Indian intellectual property expert and former Deputy Director General of WIPO.
The book, entitled "Socio-Economic Benefits of Intellectual Property Protection in Developing Countries," provides a comprehensive overview of issues dealing with the impact that intellectual property rights have on various facets of human progress. The work seeks to clarify the role of intellectual property in spurring social, cultural, technological and economic development and its importance to industry, business and the public at large.
In addition to the socio-economic value of intellectual property protection for developing countries, the publication highlights the importance of modernizing and strengthening intellectual property systems. It emphasizes that a modern intellectual property system is an essential component in establishing an enabling environment for knowledge-based and technology-based economic development.
"In the 21st century, the economic growth of developing countries, as indeed also of the developed ones, will depend on the international competitiveness of their economy, industry, and business. Such international competitiveness, in turn, will be driven by knowledge- based technological progress, which can be achieved only through a well functioning national system of innovation that has as its core, a strong, modern and well enforced intellectual property system," says Mr. Alikhan, who has written extensively on intellectual property matters.
The book recommends that governments of developing countries set up oversight or inter-ministerial bodies to draw up national intellectual property policies, and to review national and international developments in this economically important area. Governments are urged to launch widespread public awareness campaigns to forge a better general understanding of the benefits of the intellectual property system both for national economies and for social and cultural enrichment. The publication also encourages the specialized agencies of the United Nations system to reinforce their technical assistance programs to help developing economies in the area of capacity-building.
The author argues that if technology-based economic development is to be meaningful, its rewards, through for example, job creation, must be enjoyed by the general public. Strong intellectual property schemes, the author notes, will facilitate technology transfer to developing countries. Mr. Alikhan also suggests that industry and business should encourage innovation and invention by creating incentives. Industry should also invest in establishing interactive links with research and development institutions.
"To sum up, developing countries should, in the process of and quest for socio-economic development, use the intellectual property system as a number of other countries have done, and are doing, in order to sustain and constantly endeavor for technology-based growth. Clearly the way ahead depends on international competitiveness based on quality production for the national and export markets. A competitive industrial and business sector is critically dependent on a well- functioning, strong and cost-effective intellectual property system at the national level," the book states.
Other issues addressed include the protection of folklore, traditional knowledge, biodiversity and biotechnology. Questions relating to electronic commerce are also covered. On enforcement, the book encourages developing country governments to be proactive in ensuring effective protection for intellectual property rights which are essential for electronic commerce to flourish.
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 E-mail: publicinf@wipo.int