The General Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) were held from 29 September to 5 October 2004, in Geneva, Switzerland.

Among other issues, the meeting adopted a decision to begin discussions on enhancing the development dimension of WIPO’s work, as proposed by Brazil and Argentina, and to respond to a CBD request for information on the interrelation of access to genetic resources and disclosure requirements in applications for intellectual property rights (IPR). It also reviewed the work of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC).
Following the proposal by Brazil and Argentina to establish a development agenda for WIPO, which was supported by many developing countries, delegates decided to hold a series of intersessional meetings to further examine the enhancement of the development dimension in WIPO’s activities, as well as to organize a series of joint seminars on intellectual property and development with other international organizations.
Regarding the request by CBD COP-7 to examine the interrelation of access to genetic resources and disclosure requirements in IPR applications, the meeting established a process to be led by WIPO’s Director-General with the participation of different WIPO bodies, Member States and observers. The outcome will be reviewed at an intergovernmental meeting in May 2005.
On related news, the TRIPS Council met on 21 September to consider a proposal by Brazil, India, Pakistan, Peru, Thailand and Venezuela, but, due to lack of agreement, failed to advance discussions on the relationship between the TRIPS Agreement and biodiversity issues and traditional knowledge.
Links to further information
WIPO General Assembly documents
WIPO Press Release, 5 October 2004
ICTSD Bridges Trade BioRes, 8 October 2004
ICTSD Bridges Trade BioRes, 23 September 2004
A Development Agenda for WIPO, South Centre