SCT: Background, next meeting and key issues to be considered

WIPO STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE LAW OF TRADEMARKS, INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS AND GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS (SCT)

Background

According to WIPO, “the SCT was created in 1998 to serve as a forum to discuss issues, facilitate coordination and provide guidance on the progressive development of international law on trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications, including the harmonization of national laws and procedures”.¹

The scope of the Committee’s work includes discussions on trademark protection, including issues related to the use of country names and their treatment in digital environments such as the domain name system. It also addresses questions related to industrial designs, including emerging forms of design such as graphical user interfaces, icons, and typefaces. In the field of geographical indications, the SCT considers developments related to existing systems (e.g. the Lisbon System) and their broader implications.

In addition, the Committee engages in discussions related to technical assistance, including support provided to Member States in strengthening institutional capacities. Its work also reflects broader considerations related to the balance between the interests of right holders and public policy objectives, including development, access, and the use of flexibilities.

Next meeting (Forty-ninth session)

Date: March 30 to April 2, 2026

Website: https://www.wipo.int/meetings/en/details.jsp?meeting_id=89768 

Draft Agenda (SCT/49/1 PROV.3)

1. Opening of the Session
2. Adoption of the Agenda
3.  Accreditation of an Observer
4. Election of a Chair and two Vice-Chairs for SCT/50
5. Industrial Designs
   • Updated Proposal for a Joint Recommendation Concerning Industrial Design Protection for Designs for GUI
   • Proposal for a Study on the Impact of Design Protection for GUI Designs on Innovation
   • Update by Member States on DAS for Priority Documents
6. Trademarks
   • Revised Proposal Concerning Examination Guidelines for Trademarks Which Consist of or Contain Country Names or Geographical Names of National Significance
   • Second Revised Proposal for a Joint Recommendation Concerning Provisions on the Protection of Country Names
   • Updated Proposal Concerning the Protection of Country Names and Geographical Names of National Significance in the DNS
   • Update on Trademark-Related Aspects of the DNS
   • Proposal on Nation Brands
   • Proposal by the Delegation of the United Kingdom
7. Geographical Indications
8. Summary by the Chair
9. Closing of the Session

Key Issues 

• Trademarks: Ongoing discussions have focused on the protection of country names and geographical names of national significance, including in the context of the DNS. Proposals on examination guidelines remain under consideration.
• Industrial designs: The Committee has reviewed materials relating to national practices for the protection of GUIs, icons, and typefaces. Discussions have also included proposals related to the potential impact of design protection on innovation, particularly in developing contexts.
• Geographical indications: Updates have been provided on developments related to existing systems (e.g. Lisbon System), alongside discussions on the role of geographical indications in broader contexts, including sustainability and rural development.
• Emerging digital issues: The Committee has agreed to hold information sessions on topics such as trademarks in the metaverse and NFTs.

References:

1. https://www.wipo.int/en/web/sct ↩︎