Key points at the 2023 AIPPI World Congress
On October 22, 2023, the highly anticipated 2023 AIPPI World Congress kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony in Istanbul. Intellectual property experts from around the world gathered at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center for a week of insightful discussions and collaboration. The event celebrated the global significance of intellectual property rights and innovation.
During his opening remarks, Habip Asan, director of the division for transition and developed countries at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), highlighted the increasing relevance of the global IP system amid numerous challenges.
He stressed the need to make intellectual property accessible to developing countries and the Global South, promoting inclusivity among IP experts, women, youth, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and startups. This shift, described as “demystifying IP,” signifies WIPO’s transformation from a technical agency to a developmental agency operating as the United Nations’ innovation agency.
WIPO has launched initiatives such as the Global WIPO Training, Mentoring and Matchmaking Program on IP for women entrepreneurs worldwide. Additionally, the WIPO Academy, the largest provider of IP skills training, offers courses for startups, exporters, tourism, and video game industries to enhance practical IP skills.
Asan highlighted the development of tools like WIPO’s IP Diagnostics self-diagnostic tool and a startup guide for SMEs, benefiting over 8,000 SMEs in leveraging their IP rights effectively. WIPO is also actively facilitating high-level discussions on IP financing involving multiple countries, providing innovators and creators with opportunities to explore tools and policies maximizing the value of their IP.
Esra Dündar Loiseau, a partner at Özdirekcan Dündar Şenocak Ak Attorney Partnership, who chairs the Congress Advisory Committee and hosted the opening ceremony, emphasized the special significance of hosting the world congress in Turkey, coinciding with the country’s 100-year republic anniversary celebrations. She noted Turkey’s historical commitment to intellectual property rights and how the nation’s system empowers IP implementation through a unified ecosystem.
Shoichi Okuyama, president of AIPPI, and Muhammed Zeki Durak, president of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, expressed their gratitude to guests, members, event organizers, sponsors, and contributors who made the congress possible. The opening night featured shows and music concerts showcasing Turkish culture. The AIPPI World Congress ended at October 25, 2023.
AIPPI World Congress
The annual AIPPI World Congress, held in September or October, is the one moment in the year when members from all around the world come together to discuss hot topics in Intellectual Property. Usually, up to 2000 members attend with accompanying persons.
Each Congress comprises four main components:
- The substantive legal work or harmonisation programme with the making of AIPPI’s Resolutions
- The professional development component
- The management of the association
- The networking opportunities
The work done at the Congress relies on a considerable effort put in by dedicated members in each of the National Groups to describe their country’s position on the topic under review and propose harmonisation avenues.
The draft harmonisation Resolutions are analysed, discussed and formulated live by the representatives. The Reporter General ensures that harmonisation Resolutions are voted upon by the ExCo at the conclusion of the Congress.
When the Congress is over and everyone has safely travelled home, back to their practice, the National and Regional Groups continue the work of AIPPI locally. The Resolutions voted upon by the Executive Committee are communicated to law-making bodies and IP-related activities, and are organised locally.
National and Regional Groups also propose timely issues for the next Study Questions, topics of the professional development programme and nominations for the Committees. The Study Guidelines for the next Congress’ Study Questions go out before Christmas and members kick off the year working on the preparation of the national response to the questionnaires.
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