ASIPI is a non-profit organization which brings together concerned IP professionals to study, disseminate and develop IP issues. It groups more than 1,000 members from the Americas.

The talks between Dr Idris and the high level ASIPI delegation related to issues of mutual concern, including possible collaboration between the two organizations to promote use and further development of intellectual property (IP), particularly with respect to the international patent and trademark systems, in the Americas.

In relation to patents, the two parties discussed efforts to reform the international patent system which aim to simplify, streamline and achieve greater convergence among national law and practice in the examination and granting of patents.

In the area of trademarks, the Director General referred to ongoing work within WIPO’s Standing Committee on the Law of Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications (SCT), which recently decided to step up work on a number of topical issues including representation of new types of marks, and trademark opposition procedures which offer third parties the opportunity to object to a trademark either before or after it was registered with a trademark office.

The meeting reviewed efforts to foster an open debate among policy-makers and business sectors in the Latin American region, to promote better understanding of the potential commercial advantages of using trademarks and other distinctive signs (collective marks, certification marks and geographical indications), particularly in the context of expanding market access and export promotion.

Discussions also covered ways to boost use of the IP system by small and medium-sized enterprises to enhance their commercial development and improve their competitiveness in a highly integrated marketplace.

The WIPO Director General and the President of ASIPI additionally emphasized the importance of enforcement of IP rights. The ASIPI delegation was briefed on the Third Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy, convened earlier this year by WIPO, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), with the support and cooperation of a number of private sector organizations including the International Trademark Association (INTA) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

This high level international gathering called for an even greater marshalling of efforts and resources to counter the escalation in counterfeiting and piracy which threatens consumer health and safety, and undermines economic development. ASIPI invited WIPO to coordinate the organization of joint activities and programs to train officials involved in IP enforcement, in particular judges.

The meeting also discussed alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for IP related disputes, which is gaining importance in the regulatory process for the settlement of disputes. WIPO’s Arbitration and Mediation Center was established in 1994 to offer ADR for the resolution of international commercial disputes between private parties.