This month, PIJIP Senior Research Analyst Andrés Izquierdo attended the World Intellectual Property (WIPO) General Assembly on behalf of the Global Network on Copyright User Rights. The General Assembly serves as the highest governing body of WIPO, bringing together representatives from all 193 member states. With over 1200 delegates in attendance this year, the assembly provided a crucial platform for member states to engage in discussions and decision-making regarding significant intellectual property policy matters. 

PIJIP and the Global Network on Copyright User Rights are part of the larger Access to Knowledge Coalition. Other organizations in the Coalition that attended the WIPO General Assembly included Knowledge Ecology International, the International Federation of Library Associations, the South Centre, Innovarte, and Externado University. 
 
Throughout the week, the Izquierdo held meetings with delegates and officials from countries undergoing copyright reforms to exchange knowledge and experiences. He shared studies and ideas with developing countries as part of our future work at WIPO, and continued to foster and strengthen the Global Network’s relationships with high-ranking officials within WIPO. Below are the highlights:

MEETING WITH DAREN TANG, WIPO DIRECTOR GENERAL 

The Global Network on Copyright User Rights attended an NGO’s meeting with Daren Tang. We made an intervention expressing our interest to continue contributing our academic work to WIPO Committee’s work. Director-General Daren Tang welcomed our willingness to contribute to the ongoing efforts at WIPO. See more info here: https://infojustice.org/archives/45349

PROVISION OF TDM INFORMATION TO SYLVIE FORBIN, WIPO DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL, COPYRIGHT SECTOR 

The main objective of our meeting was to provide information, studies, and network contacts for the ongoing Text and Data Mining (TDM) project within the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP) at WIPO. We also shared some of our latest publications in both English and Spanish and proposed potential beneficiary universities in Africa, such as CIPIT. See the report of the meeting here: https://tinyurl.com/meetingsilvie 

INVITATION FROM UGANDA REGISTRATION SERVICES BUREAU TO COMMENT ON COPYRIGHT DRAFT TEXT REFORM

Uganda is presently undergoing a copyright reform process. In a meeting, Mercy Kainobwisho, the Registrar General, extended an invitation to Global Network on Copyright User Rights to provide feedback on the exceptions and limitations chapter. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for civil society organizations to submit comments on the draft law at a later stage.

MEETING WITH GERMAN UMAÑA, MINISTER OF COMMERCE, REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA

In the meeting, Minister Umaña voiced support for the establishment of multilateral regulations that include flexible copyright provisions. Additionally, he highlighted Colombia’s commitment to achieving a balanced and harmonious relationship between sustainable development, trade, intellectual property, investment, and services. See the Minister´s General Assembly statement at WIPO here https://infojustice.org/archives/45336 

STATEMENTS FROM THE AFRICAN GROUP AND GRULAC REFLECT THE NEED FOR MORE COPYRIGHT FLEXIBILITIES AT WIPO 

During the General Assembly, regional groups such as the African Group and GRULAC made statements to increase flexibility in copyright law. GRULAC strongly supports initiatives and proposals that broaden and/or facilitate education, research, and the preservation of cultural heritage in developing countries. See GRULAC’s General Assembly statement at WIPO here https://infojustice.org/archives/45341