The 19th edition of the colloquium for intellectual property (IP) educators commenced on November 13 in Geneva. Co-hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), this capacity-building event, spanning until November 24, has brought together 27 IP educators and researchers from various corners of the globe. The annual colloquium's mission is to enhance and update the capabilities of IP experts, enabling them to contribute effectively to their countries' research, policy analysis, and teaching in the realm of IP law.
The inauguration of the 2023 edition was presided over by WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang. He was joined by Martha Chikowore, Acting Head of Academic Institutions and Executive Program of the WIPO Academy, and Antony Taubman, Director of the Intellectual Property, Government Procurement, and Competition Division at the WTO.
DDG Zhang conveyed the significance of the colloquium, where experts from WIPO, WTO, academia, and industries, alongside participants, share their knowledge and expertise. This collaborative effort ensures that participants are updated on key issues and challenges in IP law and policy. He emphasized the value of comprehending these complexities from various perspectives, enriching national decision-making and problem-solving processes.
The colloquium program covers a wide spectrum of IP-related legal and policy topics, including IP's intersection with public health, technology transfer, and emerging technologies. DDG Zhang underscored the relevance of these subjects in addressing global challenges, particularly considering the integral role of knowledge in sustainable development.
The event also facilitates knowledge exchange between participants and the secretariats of WTO and WIPO. It offers a platform for participants to engage with leading international research colleagues, exploring practical approaches to enhance research methodologies aligned with emerging international best practices and contribute meaningfully to policy formulation.
Since its inception in 2003, the WTO-WIPO colloquium for IP educators has not only served as a vital capacity-building opportunity but also fostered connections between the WTO, WIPO, and IP experts. This collaborative environment promotes ongoing dialogue and cooperation in IP teaching and research. Over the past two decades, the colloquium has empowered more than 400 IP experts worldwide, contributing to advancements in the field of intellectual property.
