WIPO Committees: background, next meetings and key issues to be considered
The summaries for the WIPO committees IGC, ACE, SCT, SCP, CDIP and SCCR are now available. These reports bring together background, next meeting dates, draft agendas and key issues to be considered, providing a structured overview of ongoing discussions across different areas of intellectual property. IGC The IGC continues to work towards international legal instrument(s) ensuring balanced and effective protection of genetic resources (GRs), traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs), following the adoption of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK treaty). Current discussions remain centered on addressing the misappropriation of TK and TCEs through the IP system, and the recognition of rights grounded in customary law of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). Additional issues include the creation of new or adapted IP protection mechanisms of a collective nature, possible disclosure requirements in patent applications, and the degree of flexibility and policy space for national implementation versus minimum binding standards. ACE Key issues include the exchange of national experiences on public campaigns aimed at fostering respect for IP, consideration of national policies and enforcement mechanisms, and presentation of training programs supported by WIPO. Discussions also address legislative assistance, avoidance of misuse of enforcement procedures, experiences related to physical and digital forms of infringement, challenges faced by SMEs, application of AI tools, and collaborative approaches and information-sharing practices, alongside discussions related to biopiracy and the impact of intellectual property infringement in the biotechnology sector. SCT Current discussions address trademark protection, including country names and geographical names of national significance in the domain name system, as well as industrial designs, including graphical user interfaces, icons and typefaces, and their potential impact on innovation. In the field of geographical indications, discussions consider developments related to existing systems and broader implications such as sustainability and rural development, while emerging digital issues include information sessions on trademarks in the metaverse and NFTs. SCP Key issues include exceptions and limitations to patent rights, covering experimental use, prior use, regulatory approval, exhaustion of rights, and additional exceptions related to farmers, breeders and private and non-commercial use. Discussions on the quality of patents address patentability criteria, opposition systems and examination practices, including artificial intelligence, while patents and health discussions focus on patent information and flexibilities in facilitating access to medicines and related technologies. Additional topics include confidentiality of communications, transfer of technology and differing views on patent harmonization. CDIP Recent discussions include a project on the use of intellectual property to support sports development and proposals addressing cross-border counterfeit trade, cultural expression and climate resilience, raising questions related to flexibilities, safeguards and alignment with the Committee’s mandate. Broader discussions reflect divergences regarding the scope of the Committee’s work, including traditional knowledge, climate and cultural industries. SCCR Key issues include ongoing discussions on a potential broadcasting treaty, limitations and exceptions with differing views on possible international instruments, and proposals related to copyright in the digital environment, including artificial intelligence and remuneration for digital uses. Discussions also address the relationship between copyright and AI training, including permitted uses, the role of exceptions and conditions under which remuneration may be required. Full reports
