The Philippines urges consensus on key IP treaties
17 July 2024
The Philippines has urged other members of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to strive toward a consensus on international instruments. These instruments have been contentious in lengthy negotiations but could support the knowledge economies of developing and least-developed nations.
In his speech at the WIPO General Assemblies in Geneva, Switzerland, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Director-General Rowel S. Barba highlighted the importance of taking action on four crucial IP treaties. These are the Treaties for the Protection of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and of Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs), the Design Law Treaty (DLT) and the Treaty for the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations.
To prevent communities from losing their economic rights and cultural dignity, the Treaties on TK and TCEs seek to create worldwide norms for preservation. Meanwhile, the Diplomatic Conference on the DLT, which aims to standardize industrial design protection regulations among nations and streamline the procedure for designers venturing into foreign markets, is another event that the Philippines looks forward to.
The country also emphasized the necessity of concluding the Broadcasting Treaty discussions.
“These treaties will provide stronger protection for cultural heritage, industrial designs and broadcasting rights by closing existing gaps and streamlining processes, benefiting creators and communities worldwide and giving our creative and innovative Filipinos the leverage they need in this competitive digital age,” said Barba.
He also noted the success of 2024 for the global IP community, especially in light of the historic WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge adoption in May 2023.
“The international community has demonstrated a commitment to a more responsive and inclusive intellectual property system, led by WIPO Director-General Daren Tang. The Philippines is committed to advancing this goal alongside its fellow member states, elevating the voices of regional artists, creators and MSMEs in these dialogues,” he said.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
