(SEMINAR 3)
Date: 12 June 2020
Time: 8:00pm WAT
Topic: The World Intellectual Property Organization (History, Background, Functions)
Anchor: Victoria C. Onyeagbako
Platform: Zoom
This is the third in the MIPLG virtual seminar series for the personal development of members. It was held on this day, 12 June 2020 and was anchored by Victoria Onyeagbako. The seminar started officially at about 8:06pm WAT with a brief welcome remarks by the Anchor.
The Anchor introduced the topic, “About the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)”. She introduced WIPO as a self-funding agency of the United Nations, established by the WIPO Convention signed at Stockholm on the 14July 1967 and amended on the 28th September 1979.
WIPO has 193 member states including Nigeria and Ghana. Its mission is to lead the development of a balanced and effective international IP system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all.
She noted that WIPO has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Director General of WIPO is Francis Gurry who shall be succeeded by the recently elected Daren Tang of Singapore on 1 October 2020. The decision making organ of WIPO is the General Assembly and other WIPO designated committees who all work towards the Attainment of WIPO’s objectives, strategic goals and missions.
The Anchor further highlighted the various IP services which WIPO administers, to wit: The international patent system, international trademark system, international design system, international system of geographical indications, international trusted digital evidence, WIPO Mediation and Arbitration Center, WIPO Academy, amongst others.
WIPO offers various employment opportunities both paid internships and permanent employments. Through the WIPO Academy, WIPO presents various self-development opportunities ranging from subsidized to free courses.
The Anchor concluded by urging everyone present to leverage on the services WIPO offers including the WIPO Green platform, WIPO Proof, WIPO Arbitration and Mediation center, WIPO Academy, amongst others.
Some participants asked some questions which was answered to their satisfaction, as they expressed. The Anchor obliged to give participants feedback on the duration and fees for protection offered by WIPO Proof.
The session came to an end at about 9pm WAT with a brief vote of thanks by the Anchor.
Chukwuemezie Charles Emejuo.
Rapporteur
