Contents

Patent Law Treaty: Diplomatic Conference Closes with Signing 2 AGAZINE

Diplomatic Conference on Audiovisual Performances Set for December, 2000 4

Panel Studies Intellectual Property Dimensions of Privatization 5

WIPO and Uruguay Sign Cooperation Agreement 6

WIPO-USPTO Academy on Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights 7

Cooperation for Development Modernizing of Intellectual Property Systems in Least Developed Countries 8 Management of Copyright Offices – Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) 9 Electronic Commerce and Intellectual Property for Development for Caribbean Countries 10 Collective Management of Copyright and Related Rights for the Caribbean Region 11 Workshop on Business Dimensions of Intellectual Property Takes

a Practical Approach 12 WIPO M WIPO Sub-Regional Roundtable on the Implementation of TRIPS 13

WIPO Gold Medals Awarded at Genius 2000 14

IPLEX CD-ROM 14

Calendar of Meetings 15

New Products 16

Geneva June, 2000 2 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

Patent Law Treaty is Finalized and Diplomatic Conference Closes with Signing

step is to work towards harmonization of legal substance, and eventually towards a single global standard of protection.”

The Director General pointed out that ultimately the biggest savings in patent-related costs would come about when intellectual property offices around the world are able to share results of search and examination procedures. In past sessions of the Standing Photo: Mercedes Martínez Mercedes Photo: Dozal Committee on the Law of Patents The Diplomatic Conference gets underway. (SCP), and at the September 1999 session of the WIPO Assemblies, a Forty-three countries signed on tion of five years of negotiations significant number of delegations Friday, June 2 a landmark agree- and is a major step towards further expressed the wish to take up the ment that will simplify and international harmonization of question of further harmonization streamline procedures for obtaining patent law. The PLT promises to of patent laws upon conclusion of and maintaining a patent. The reduce the cost of patent protection the PLT. This is reflected in the Patent Law Treaty (PLT) was and to make the process more user- WIPO Program and Budget for the adopted on June 1 and opened for friendly and widely accessible. 2000-2001 biennium. The SCP will signature at the end of a three- hold its next meeting in November week Diplomatic Conference held WIPO Director General Dr. Kamil 2000. under the auspices of the World Idris welcomed the adoption of the Intellectual Property Organization PLT and applauded delegates for (WIPO). the positive spirit of cooperation Advantages and compromise that had prevailed The Diplomatic Conference during negotiations. “Successful Once it enters into force, the PLT brought together high-level completion of the PLT is a major will harmonize and streamline, on representatives from some 150 step in the broader process of a worldwide basis, formal patent states from May 11 to June 2. The reducing patent costs around the procedures relating to national and Patent Law Treaty is the culmina- world,” said Dr. Idris. “The next regional patent applications and

If you are interested in receiving For comments or questions, contact: The WIPO Magazine is published copies, contact: The Editor monthly by the Office of Global The Publications Officer WIPO Magazine Communications and Public Diplomacy, WIPO (at the above address) World Intellectual Property Organization 34, chemin des Colombettes Copyright © 2000 World Intellectual (WIPO). It is not an official record and P.O. Box 18 Property Organization the views expressed in individual articles CH-1211 Geneva 20 All rights reserved. Articles contained herein may be are not necessarily those of WIPO. Switzerland reproduced for educational purposes. No part may, however, be reproduced for commercial purposes without the express phone: 41 22 338 91 11 written consent of the Office of Global Communications The WIPO Magazine is distributed free fax: 41 22 733 54 28 and Public Diplomacy, World Intellectual Property Organization, P.O. Box 18, CH-1211 Geneva 20, of charge. e-mail: [email protected] Switzerland. 3 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

maintenance of patents. Inventors seeking patent protection must as a first step meet certain formality requirements in order to avoid rejection of their application and a consequent loss of rights. These formalities currently vary from one country to another. In standardiz- ing them, the PLT offers both inventors and national and regional patent offices a number of advantages: n Use of standardized forms and simplified procedures that reduce the risk of error; n Cost reductions for inventors, Martínez Mercedes Photo: Dozal applicants and patent attorneys; n Elimination of cumbersome and Standing, from left: Ambassador Nacer Benjelloun-Touimi of the Kingdom of Morocco, President of the Diplomatic Conference, Dr. Kamil Idris, Director complicated procedures; General of WIPO, and Mr. Francis Gurry, Assistant Director General of n Improved efficiency of patent WIPO, watch as Mr. James W. Mayson (seated), the delegate from Liberia, offices and lower operating signs the PLT. costs; n Possibility to introduce electronic filing of patent applications and related communications; under the PLT, the requirements that do not sign the PLT within the n Reliance on a predictable and procedures for national and one-year period are entitled to maximum set of patent regional patent applications, and accede to the treaty at any time. formalities in all countries party those for PCT international The PLT will enter into force after to the PLT (including the applications, will be harmonized. ten countries deposit their instru- incorporation of provisions This will eventually lead to ments of ratification or accession under the Patent Cooperation standardized formal requirements with the Director General of Treaty regarding form or and streamlined procedures for all WIPO. contents of an international patent applications worldwide. application), resulting in easier The PLT was signed by the access to foreign patent following countries at a ceremony systems; Signatories at WIPO headquarters in Geneva: Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, n Exceptions from mandatory Burundi, Croatia, Cuba, Czech representation; A total of 104 countries and three intergovernmental organizations Republic, Democratic People’s n Enhanced legal certainty for (the Eurasian Patent Organization, Republic of Korea, Denmark, applicants filing in their home the European Patent Organization Estonia, Gambia, Ghana, Greece, country and abroad; and the African Regional Industrial Haiti, Hungary, Israel, Italy, n Relief and re-instatement of Property Organization) signed the Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, rights in case of missing certain Final Act of Treaty, a document Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, time limits; that bears witness to the Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, n Possibility to obtain a filing Diplomatic Conference, and its Poland, Portugal, Republic of date, even if the main part of outcome, and acknowledges the Moldova, Romania, Sao Tome and the application (description) is participation of the delegations at Principe, Slovenia, Spain, Sudan, filed in a foreign language. the meeting. Swaziland, Switzerland, Togo, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, The PLT achieves a major goal of The PLT is open for signature by United States of America and international simplification by WIPO member States until June 1, Zambia. incorporating the requirements for 2001. Signature entitles a PCT international applications into government to ratify the treaty at national and regional laws. Thus, any time. WIPO member States 4 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

Diplomatic Conference on Audiovisual Performances Set for December, 2000

...The making of a film or other audiovisual work involves contribu- tions from many different individuals, often from many different countries.

Member States of WIPO endorsed representatives from the film and television screens are produced the convening of a Diplomatic industry also attended the meeting. and financed across national Conference from December 7 to The SCCR’s recommendation was borders. Such arrangements 20, 2000 to establish an internatio- endorsed by the WIPO General underline the importance of nal agreement on the rights of Assembly, which mandated WIPO creating an international operating performers in their audiovisual Director General Dr. Kamil Idris environment which clearly defines performances. This issue topped to decide on an appropriate venue the intellectual property rights of the agenda of an intensive round of for the Diplomatic Conference. all parties involved. discussions in April at WIPO The new international agreement to headquarters. be established will address the moral and economic rights of Representatives of 74 member performers in audiovisual perfor- States and the European mances and will also adapt the Community, meeting under the protection of those rights to the auspices of the WIPO Standing digital environment. Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), The question of performers’ rights recommended by consensus the in their audiovisual performances holding of a Diplomatic has been the subject of debate Conference to build on the existing since the conclusion of the WIPO protection of performers’ rights Performances and Phonograms provided for under the Rome Treaty (WPPT) in December 1996. Convention for the Protection of At that time, WIPO member States Performers, Producers of opted to address this question as a Phonograms and Broadcasting separate issue instead of as part of Organizations (1961). Five that treaty. intergovernmental organizations and 34 non-governmental Increasingly, the film productions organizations, including that are delivered to our cinema 5 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

Panel Studies Intellectual Property Dimensions of Privatization

An eight-member panel of experts with extensive experience in policy-making and international affairs met at WIPO in May to consider the intellectual property aspects of privatization. It was the first meeting of the WIPO ad hoc Advisory Panel on Privatization.

Panelists discussed the intellectual property dimensions Photo: Mercedes Martínez Mercedes Photo: Dozal of privatization in the policy and implementation process. They agreed that a significant niche exists in this little-researched area, and that the panel and WIPO might do useful work for Members of the WIPO Advisory Panel on Privitization. the benefit of all countries regardless of their level of development. effectiveness, and to consider how The panel agreed to further WIPO might move towards explore and analyze the formulation of a dynamic and historical experience of practical role in this area. The privatization with respect to its panel will present its findings in a intellectual property aspects, to report to the Director General in consider the current due course. methodological procedures and standards prevalent in the field The panelists agreed to meet again of valuation of intellectual later this year to continue discus- property assets and their sion of these key issues.

The Panel Coordinator is Mr. N. K. Singh, Secretary to the Prime Minister of India. The other panelists are: Professor Edward S. Ayensu, Member of the Inspection Panel, the World Bank; Professor Klaus Gretschmann, Director General, Economic and Financial Affairs, Federal Chancellery of Germany; Mr. K.G. Anthony Hill C.D, former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Jamaica in Geneva; Mr. Jorge Alberto Lozoya,Secretary, Ibero-American Cooperation, Madrid; Professor Anne O. Krueger, Professor in Humanities and Sciences and Director, Center for Research on Economic Development and Policy Reform, Stanford University; Ambassador Mr. Philippe Petit, Permanent Representative of France in Geneva and Mr. Patrick Smith, former Director General, Australian Industrial Property Organization. 6 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

WIPO and Uruguay Sign Cooperation Agreement

The Minister of Industry, Energy, promote and strengthen the program provides a framework for and Mining of Uruguay, Mr. Sergio national intellectual property offering legal technical advice, Abreu, and WIPO Director General system in Uruguay. institution building for the admin- Dr. Kamil Idris signed on June 2 a istration of intellectual property, Technical Cooperation Agreement “I welcome the decision by the assistance in the development and in the field of intellectual property. Government of Uruguay to set up use of information technology and The Agreement provides for the this Fund-in-Trust to cover management techniques, human establishment of a Fund-in-Trust, programs aimed at strengthening resource development, and financed by the Government of the intellectual property system in enforcement of intellectual Uruguay and administered by that country,” said Dr. Idris. “This property rights. WIPO, which will cover is a sign of Uruguay’s recognition cooperation activities in several of the importance of the The Uruguayan Minister was areas related to the strengthening intellectual property system in accompanied by Mr. Carlos Pérez of the National Directorate for promoting economic, social, del Castillo, Ambassador and Industrial Property and the cultural development.” Permanent Representative, development of the intellectual Permanent Mission of Uruguay in property system of Uruguay. WIPO’s Funds-in-Trust program Geneva, Mr. Carlos Sgarbi, manages resources provided by Minister Counselor at that Perma- Uruguay has committed an initial given countries for activities nent Mission and Mrs. Rosario amount of US $300,000 to the carried out by the Organization in Lagarmilla, Director, National Fund-in-Trust for the period 2000- developing countries. It is designed Directorate of Industrial Property 2003. This contribution, in addition to raise awareness of intellectual (DNPI) in Montevideo. to WIPO’s own budget for its property issues and to promote the cooperation for development modernization of national program, will enhance efforts to intellectual property systems. The Photo: arttoday.com Photo:

Palacio Legislativo, Uruguay, Monteviedeo. 7 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

WIPO-USPTO Academy on Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights

The WIPO Worldwide Academy (WWA) in May jointly organized with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in Arlington, Virginia (U.S.A.) the third special session of the WIPO

Academy on the Enforcement of arttoday.com Photo: Intellectual Property Rights.

The main objectives of the Academy session were to equip participating senior law The Jefferson Memorial, a Washington D.C. landmark near the USPTO. enforcement officials, especially judges, prosecutors and customs property rights, civil and criminal They also visited a U.S. Federal officers, with knowledge and skills enforcement measures, as well as Court where intellectual property in the enforcement of intellectual enforcing these rights on the cases are heard. property rights (IPR). Special Internet. emphasis was given to discussions On the last day of the program, a of the relevant provisions of the Presentations and demonstrations new training module, designed by Agreement on Trade-Related were made by officials of the the USPTO for programs on Aspects of Intellectual Property USPTO, experts from the U.S. enforcement, drew the active Rights (TRIPS) on border Department of Justice and other involvement of both participants measures and customs procedures. government agencies as well as and lecturers in a problem-solving representatives from industry. scenario. The case was an analysis The program included detailed of a rights-infringement case and presentations on provisions of the In order to develop a better appropriate remedies. TRIPS Agreement, enforcing understanding of the U.S. Customs intellectual property rights at Services and its role in enforcing Participants came from borders and the experiences of the intellectual property rights, the China, Egypt, India, U.S. and Canadian officials in participants paid a visit to the U.S. Kyrgyzstan, Malta, Nigeria, investigating intellectual property Customs Port in Baltimore, Oman, Republic of Moldova, rights infringement. The program Maryland, where they observed Suriname, Trinidad and also addressed the role of rights’ how customs authorities at the port Tobago, Venezuela, Viet Nam holders in investigating identify and handle pirated and and Zambia. infringement of intellectual counterfeit goods and products.

DILBERT 8 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

Cooperation for Development

Modernization of Intellectual Property Systems in Least Developed Countries

The WIPO Asia-Pacific Regional Seminar on Modernization of Intellectual Property Systems in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) was held in Kathmandu, Nepal in May with a twofold objective: n To contribute to the moderniza- tion of the intellectual property system of the LDCs; n To provide inputs for the Third Photo: Roz Bisi United Nations Conference on LDCs to be held in Brussels in May 2001.

Eleven of the 13 LDCs in the Asia- Kathmandu, Nepal. Pacific region were represented among the 45 participants. that LDCs in the region should n Enforcement, dispute Twenty-six participants from Nepal respond to changes in the world settlement and transitional and came from a number of brought about by technological institutional arrangements government and non-govermental advances. under the TRIPS Agreement; organizations (NGOs), including n The challenges and representatives from higher During the three-day seminar opportunities of information educational institutions, artists and presentations were made on the and communication technolo- officials from collective manage- following topics: gies for LDCs; ment offices. n Global intellectual property n The role of intellectual property issues and LDCs in the Asia- The opening ceremony emphasized in the social and economic Pacific region; development of LDCs; the importance of intellectual n WIPO’s technical assistance for property for the economic and n The implementation of the LDCs. social development of developing Agreement on Trade-Related countries and, in particular, LDCs. Aspects of Intellectual Property A rich exchange of views and Various participants emphasized Rights (TRIPS); experiences followed the presentations and participants raised several questions concerning the TRIPS Agreement, institution building in intellectual property and other related developmental issues.

The LDCs, despite their commitment to fulfill obligations under the TRIPS Agreement, face certain severe constraints such as shortage of resources, a weak intellectual property infrastructure, The participants in the Seminar for Least Developed Countries 9 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

the lack of skilled personnel and inadequate awareness of and information on the various treaties and conventions in the field of Management of Copyright Offices – intellectual property. The LDCs require more technical assistance Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to facilitate their adherence to international treaties and to fulfill their obligations under the TRIPS Agreement, in particular in establishing effective enforcement mechanisms. WIPO held a workshop in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on The representatives expressed a the management and administra- desire to find a balance between tion of GCC copyright offices in the exclusive rights of individuals, mid-May. Smaller copyright public interests, and benefits to offices in the region often civil society. Participants agreed operate with a staff of ten or less that wealth created through the people and, hence, the personnel intellectual property system should have many responsibilities. The be equitably distributed among the workshop dealt with problems parties concerned in accordance the offices face as they deal with with the relevant international issues of enforcement, treaties. legislation, providing public relations and legal assistance to Participants highlighted the right owners, and handling the importance of addressing global copyright deposit system. intellectual property issues such as Representatives from Bahrain, The logo of the GCC (top) with the protection and use of genetic symbols of member countries. resources and the protection of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi folklore and traditional knowledge Arabia and the United Arab with a view toward identifying the Emirates listened to positive impact of those issues on presentations from speakers seminar, they were presented LDCs and promoting awareness of from the United States Copy- with some practical solutions, them among stakeholders in LDCs, right Office and the Intellectual including television advertising, and with a view toward ensuring Property Office of Singapore on effective posters and the the promotion of their wide the structure, initiatives and creation of web-sites. They application and practices with the policies of their offices. visited six of the more than 65 approval and involvement of the Problems specific to the GCC in web-sites that have been created holders of such knowledge. relation to the deposit of works by intellectual property offices were identified. Possibilities for worldwide. Further proposals They also acknowledged the need the automation of a system of for promoting their offices to pay close attention to deposit of works, as well as involved organizing intellectual property rights for WIPO assistance in developing competitions and games, visits electronic commerce and to such a system were discussed. to schools and the holding of continuously promote education seminars. The GCC copyright and training and enhance The representatives of the GCC offices were encouraged by awareness of intellectual property offices sought ideas for speakers to maintain an “open protection and management in the promoting awareness of copy- door” policy and good lines of digital environment. right and encouraging creativity. communication with the general On the second day of the public. A final request from participants was that the deliberations of the seminar be used to provide inputs to the preparatory process for the © Third United Nations Conference on LDCs. 10 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

Electronic Commerce and Intellectual Property for Development for Caribbean Countries

The first WIPO Regional Meeting on Electronic Commerce and Intellectual Property for Development for Caribbean Countries was held in Kingston, Jamaica on May 15-17. The meeting was organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and Technology of Jamaica and was held during a week that was designated by the Jamaican authorities as Intellectual Property Week 2000.

Delegates from the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago were present along with representatives of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, and international partici- pants from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). The private sector was also well represented in the meeting.

Presentations and discussions covered various dimensions of the was presented. The delegates were presented, and delegates expressed issues involving electronic com- provided with copies of the interest in using these documents merce and intellectual property, document. to adopt new dispute resolution including emerging issues, WIPO’s policies, as well as having the work on domain names, The topic of domain names was WIPO Arbitration and Mediation trademarks and related dispute given in-depth treatment, with all Center provide dispute resolution resolution, on-line content and aspects of domain name adminis- services. copyright issues, other legal and tration and best practices receiving jurisdictional aspects of electronic attention. A special effort had been Four other Electronic Commerce commerce, and telecommu- made to organize the attendance of meetings are expected in the nications. administrators for the Caribbean coming months, in Chang Mai, domain name country codes. The Thailand, São Paolo, Brazil, The gathering was the first WIPO WIPO Internet Domain Name Amman, Jordan and tentatively Regional Electronic Commerce Report and WIPO’s model docu- Beijing, China. meeting at which the WIPO ments for domain name “Primer on Electronic Commerce registration, dispute resolution and Intellectual Property Issues” policy and procedural rules were 11 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

Collective Management of Copyright and Related Rights for the Caribbean Region

Delegates from the Bahamas, in some countries of the region the region. Four national Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, with local agents, will cease authors’ societies, COSCAP in Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago such activity progressively Barbados, JACAP in Jamaica, met in Nassau, Bahamas, from when properly established HMS in St. Lucia and COTT in May 24 to 26 to study the authors’ societies are in place, Trinidad and Tobago, will development and implementation and when their activities will be constitute the founding of a collective management system in compliance with the statutes members of CCL. for copyright in the Caribbean of the International region. Various questions were Confederation of Societies of The regional system is expected to examined in order to set up a Authors and Composers be operational by the end of 2001. proposed regional center that (CISAC) and the Common In order to achieve this goal, WIPO would be known as the “Caribbean Information System (CIS) is cooperating with the Spanish Copyright Link” (CCL). standard. authors’ society (SGAE) to develop software specially geared Participants discussed several key for the Caribbean national societies questions: and the regional center. Further cooperation will come from PRS n Where to locate CCL? and CISAC. Delegates moved to locate the CCL in Trinidad and Tobago, The regional system has been for its general regional and designed to initially cover collec- international accessibility. A tive management of musical works. regional center would be It is flexible enough to address at a expected to centralize docu- later stage other categories of mentation and royalty distribu- works and rights which can be tion functions for national managed collectively, such as authors’ societies throughout reprographic rights, related rights, the region. It would have the photographic works, etc. When authority and capability to completed it is expected to have an

conduct regional and internatio- Castonguay Sylvie Photo: impact in terms of developing nal negotiations of all types and better social and economic condi- to develop and implement The Cloisters, a 14th-century tions for the rights’ owners regional policy with respect to Augustinian monastery transported concerned, as well as the transfer intellectual property legislation to Paradise Island, Bahamas from of collective management know- France in 1968. and related regulations, rights how to Caribbean nationals and to administration and market avoid duplication of activities in development for regional the region. It is expected to help intellectual property right- speed transmission of information owners. It would also apply n What would CCL do? CCL and connection between authors’ and implement international would have a twofold purpose: societies. It will assist in the documentation across the to provide data management matching process and increase region. services to national collective royalty distribution in the region management organizations in and royalty collection in foreign n How to develop the collective the Caribbean, and to represent, markets, as the documentation of management systems in place promote and defend the musical works will be at the national level? The interests of the Caribbean consolidated. The system is British authors’ society, the collective management expected to reduce the costs of Performing Rights Society organizations in regional and collective management operations (PRS), which administers rights international issues relevant for overall. 12 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

Workshop on Business Dimensions of Intellectual Property Takes a Practical Approach

As part of a response to concerns often expressed by representatives of developing countries at WIPO seminars, the Organization has designed a new program to help develop skills in how to negotiate licensing agreements for technology, with the emphasis on using actual negotiations of mock cases based on “real life” licensing situations. WIPO cooperated with the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), to organize such The WIPO and ITC team at the Capetown workshop. workshops.

The workshop is expected to be Case Study behaviors of the boardroom, each offered in all four regions of side conferring with their “legal WIPO’s Cooperation for On the afternoon of the second day, advisors” or “financial consul- Development program. The first participants were provided with the tants” whenever an impasse was took place from May 8-12 in Cape first case study: A detailed docu- reached. Town, South Africa. ment of 16 pages pertaining to the licensing agreement between two By the end of the negotiations, the The program consisted of three companies from two different teams had reached satisfactory days of presentations and seminars countries. The licensing involved a “win-win” deals which took into by ITC and WIPO representatives patented process for reducing account the pluses and minuses of as well as outside consultants, emissions during the refining of the particular process, the followed by two days of interactive copper sulfide. The case study decisions to license (as opposed to case studies. This was a key part of included a summary of the issues, sell), what elements of the process the program as the participants previous correspondence between they would license, the type of were able to immediately put into the two parties, various internal license (exclusive, non-exclusive), practice the information absorbed memos and other documents of the rights to sub-license, know-how in the opening days of the seminar, agreement process. and other technical assistance, the as well as to assess the immediate form and timing of payments results. Each case took up a full day, half a (down payment or royalties), day for preparation and the other percentages of royalties and other The participants displayed keen half for the negotiations with relevant considerations. A interest from the start. They opponents. The teams put much spontaneous and enthusiastic round listened closely to speakers who energy and enthusiasm into the of applause broke out when had extensive experience in the preparations and negotiations. agreement was finally reached and private sector negotiating They used the names of individuals the two team leaders shook hands. technology-licensing agreements, mentioned in the case and referred as well as a good combination of to each other in that manner In the final round-up each team legal knowledge and business throughout their preparations and leader wrote out the essential acumen. Intense questioning during the negotiations. They elements of the deal on a flip chart followed the presentations. adopted the formalities and and explained to all the participants 13 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

their initial strategies, their goals, as well as what they achieved and on what they compromised. WIPO Sub-Regional Roundtable on Each negotiation ended with a different deal and each deal was the Implementation of TRIPS well thought out, well-negotiated and left both sides content. The speakers, who had overseen the From May 9 to 11, a roundtable exchange views and share relevant entire process, shared their was held in cooperation with the experiences. During the last observations of what was right Government of Botswana in session devoted to discussions of and what was wrong and their Gaborone to examine to what countries’ verbal reports, the views on the overall deals extent the Trade-Related Aspects participants briefed the meeting on reached. of Intellectual Property Rights the current situation and (TRIPS) Agreement has been difficulties encountered by their implemented by African States, in countries regarding the A Different Approach order to better identify the areas in implementation of the Agreement which assistance would be needed. and accession to WTO. This workshop was different in two significant ways. First, it was not devoted to intellectual Geoffrey Onyeama, property per se but to the use and Director of the WIPO economic exploitation of African Bureau, in intellectual property. This made discussion with participants. intellectual property and its relevance real and tangible to the participants. It provided them with some basic skills and an ability to participate as equal

partners. They expressed Platret Claudine Photo: enthusiasm for the program, which they agreed was of great practical use. A total of 54 participants from In particular, they outlined the Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, following: Secondly, the implementation of Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, the workshop through interactive Seychelles, South Africa, Swazi- case studies was a key element. n The need for a focal point in land and Zimbabwe and the The participants were not merely each country for coordination African Regional Industrial listening to lectures, but were among the different government Property Organization (ARIPO) required to spend two days in units dealing with the TRIPS attended the roundtable. role-playing, negotiating an Agreement. actual agreement. The learning n The assistance that could be The first two-and-a half days dividend of this approach is a key provided by WIPO and WTO to were devoted to the examination factor in the success of this kind these countries. of different aspects of, and of workshop. n The non-compliance of certain developments in relation to, the intellectual property laws with implementation of the TRIPS The experience gained from implementation.. Agreement. The last half-day running the program is expected session was dedicated to a n The difficulties involved in the to provide enough material for roundtable during which the preparation of notifications. the preparation and publication participants articulated specific n The need for WIPO to organize of a practical guide for small and problems faced by them in the seminars for police officers, medium enterprises on the implementation of various custom officials and judges on negotiation of technology requirements under the Agree- the TRIPS Agreement and licensing agreements. If ment. particularly on enforcement. successful at the regional level, it n The assistance WIPO can is envisaged that the workshop The topics presented and the provide to African countries to could be handed over to national discussions that ensued gave the set-up collective administration. intellectual property offices and participants an opportunity to be given on the national level. 14 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

WIPO Gold Medals Awarded at Genius 2000

Two WIPO Gold Medals were The second WIPO Gold Medal was awarded in Budapest, Hungary at awarded in the category of the 2nd Inventors’ Olympiad held in environmental science to László May. The Olympiad is a Hoffman. A chemist and physicist competition for inventors-to-be of Hungarian origin, Mr. Hoffman which aims at enhancing creativity, invented the “Geofil Bubbles.” especially in youths. The lightweight Geofil Bubbles are manufactured via a proprietary heat-insulating feature provides Rodica Teodorscu, a Romanian recycling technique from solid fire resistance to construction biologist, received the WIPO Gold wastes with high glass content. building blocks. Medal in recognition of her work Geofil Bubbles strongly adheres to as a woman inventor. Her inven- gypsum and concrete matrices and These two inventions are excellent tion entitled “Biocolon” consists of provides heat and sound insulation example of how innovation serves flakes containing lamella of to structures. The glass containing mankind and improves our living biophiled lactate bacteria and is for waste streams used to produce conditions. WIPO Gold Medals use in gastro-enterology applica- Geofil Bubbles is otherwise Awards are granted to give tions. Biocolon is a new medicine considered useless and is dumped. recognition to inventors and to that can be effectively used to Geofil Bubbles is expected to encourage their continuous efforts normalize intestinal flora. reduce waste dumping, and its and innovative spirit.

IPLEX CD-ROM

A new version of the IPLEX CD- level (one or several categories, ROM has been published by one or several countries or WIPO. This new version is organizations, or one or several operated by Folio Views software texts). which will provide the following The contents of the IPLEX CD- advantages to users: ROM may be printed, or copied onto another system. n The contents of the IPLEX CD- ROM are structured in a The new CD-ROM is available from the hierarchy, or tree, including at Marketing and Distribution Section at the highest level the four WIPO (please see back page for further information). above-mentioned categories, and at the lowest level the legislative texts (themselves divided into their tables of What is IPLEX? contents). Any level of the tree may be accessed by clicking on it. The IPLEX CD-ROM is a database containing legislative texts, in English and in French, in the field of intellectual property. These texts fall under four categories: n The IPLEX CD-ROM offers an extensive and flexible search Each of these categories in turn system: the search may n Multilateral treaties n Regional laws comprises legislative texts concern (or exclude) a word or concerning n Bilateral treaties a combination of words. It may - copyright and related rights, bear on the whole of the IPLEX n National laws. - industrial property. tree, or on part of it, at any 15 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

Calendar of Meetings

May 11 to June 2 (CICG , Geneva) September 11 to 15 (Geneva) Diplomatic Conference for the Adoption of the Standing Committee on the Law of Patent Law Treaty Trademarks, Industrial Designs and The Diplomatic Conference will consider the adoption Geographical Indications (SCT) (Fifth session) of the Patent Law Treaty as well as Regulations The Committee will continue its work based on the thereunder. results of its fourth session (March 27 to 31, 1999). Invitations: As ordinary members, the States members Invitations: As members, the States members of WIPO of WIPO and the States party to the Paris Convention and/or of the Paris Union, and the European for the Protection of Industrial Property; as special Community; as observers, other States and certain members, the African Intellectual Property organizations. Organization, the African Regional Industrial Property Organization, the Eurasian Patent Organization and the September 25 to October 3 (Geneva) European Patent Organisation; as observers, the States Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO members of the United Nations but not of WIPO or the (Thirty-fifth series of meetings) Some of the assemblies will meet in extraordinary Paris Union, as well as certain intergovernmental and session, other bodies concerned in ordinary session. non-governmental organizations. Invitations: As members or observers (depending on the assembly), the States members of WIPO; as July 4 to 6 (Geneva) Working Group on Constitutional Reform observers, other States and certain organizations. (Second session) The Working Group will continue its work based on the October 2 to 13 (Geneva) results of its first session (March 22 to 24, 2000). Committee of Experts of the Nice Union Invitations: States members of WIPO and of the Paris (Special Union for the International Classification of Goods and Services for the and Berne Unions. Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Eighteenth session) July 10 to 13 (Geneva) The Committee of Experts will consider proposals for Working Group on the Modification of the amendments and other changes to the seventh edition of Regulations Under the Lisbon Agreement the International Classification of Goods and Services (First session) The Working Group will be presented with a study (Nice Classification) in view of the entry into force of identifying provisions in the Regulations Under the the Eighth edition on January 1, 2002. Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Invitations: The States members of the Nice Union Origin and Their International Registration that could and, as observers, the States members of the Paris be improved in the light of experience acquired with the Union but not members of the Nice Union, the African implementation of the said Agreement. Intellectual Property Organization, the Benelux Invitations: As members, the members of the Lisbon Trademark Office and the Office for Harmonization in AGAZINE Union; as observers, the States members of the Paris the Internal Market (Trade Marks and Designs). Union that are not members of the Lisbon Union, and certain organizations. October 9 to 13 (Geneva) Working Group on the Modification of the Regulations Under the Madrid Agreement and July 10 to 14 (Geneva) Protocol (First session) Standing Committee on Information The Working Group will be presented with proposals Technologies (SCIT) (Fifth Plenary session) for the modification of the Common Regulations Under The Committee will discuss, among other issues, the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International project management methodologies to be implemented Registration of Marks and the Protocol Relating to that by WIPO and planning mechanisms relating to the Agreement, based on experience acquired with the Information Technology Strategic Implementation Plan. implementation of those treaties, and will be called (During the same week, a PCT informal consultation upon to prepare recommendations for consideration by meeting will be held to discuss electronic filing of PCT a future session of the Assembly of the Madrid Union. international applications.) Invitations: As members, the members of the Madrid Invitations: As members, the States members of WIPO Union; as observers, the States members of the Paris and certain organizations; as observers, other States Union that are not members of the Madrid Union, and and certain organizations. certain organizations. WIPO M 16 WIPO MAGAZINE - JUNE 2000

Products

The following new products were issued by WIPO: n Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs and Regulations Under the Geneva Act (Arabic) N° 229(A), (Chinese) N° 229(C), (Russian) N° 229(R), (Spanish) N° 229(S), 12 Swiss francs. n Les Appellations d’Origines No. 29 Janvier 2000. (only in French) N° 105(F). 18 Swiss francs. n Académie de l’OMPI - Catalogue des cours 2000-2001(French) N° 467(F), (Spanish) N° 467(S), free of charge. n Académie de l’OMPI - Programme d’enseignement à distance (French) N° L468/101F, (Spanish) L468/101S, free of charge. n CD-ROM WIPO Handbook on Industrial Property Information and Documentation 1999-2000 (trilingual English, French and Spanish, as well as standards in Russian) N° CD208, 100 Swiss francs. n CD-ROM Intellectual Property Laws and Treaties 2000 (bilingual English and French) No. IPLEX, 300 Swiss francs.

WIPO publications may be obtained from the Marketing and Distribution Section:

WIPO 34, chemin des Colombettes P.O. Box 18 phone: 41 22 338 91 11 CH-1211 Geneva 20 fax: 41 22 740 18 12 Switzerland e-mail: [email protected]

or you can now order online at: www.wipo.int/ebookshop

Orders should indicate: (a) the number or letter code of the publication desired, the language (E for English, F for French etc.), the number of copies; (b) the full address for mailing: (c) the mail mode (surface or air). Prices cover surface mail. Bank transfers should be made to WIPO account No. 487080-81, at the Swiss Credit Bank, 1211 Geneva 70, Switzerland.