By Andrés Izquierdo

Following the 31st session of the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP), Member States successfully reached agreements on several topics, including three new CDIP projects, the theme for the 2025 International Conference on IP and Development, approval of two webinar topics on technical assistance, and the order of topics proposed under the agenda Item on “Intellectual Property and Development”. Brazil additionally advocated for a renewed approach within the Committee. 

Noteworthy achievements include the approval of three new projects by India, Brazil and Philippines.  These projects focus on innovation and technology transfer, the commercialization of audiovisual content, and intellectual property (IP) protection for non-agricultural products. The Philippines’ project aims to enhance collaboration in technology and innovation by identifying good practices and effective policies, while India’s project explores the multifactor impact of non-agricultural product protection. Brazil’s project investigates the use of IP in commercializing audiovisual content in Latin America, addressing post-COVID-19 challenges. 

The committee also decided on the theme for the 2025 International Conference on Intellectual Property and Development: “The Role of IP and Innovation in Addressing Global Public Health Challenges: Fostering Technological Transfer and Collaborations”, proposal submitted by the African Group.

Also, under the compilation of topics proposed by Member States to be addressed under the agenda Item on “Intellectual Property and Development”, the Committee decided that the topic “Building the Capacity of Universities to Manage and Commercialise IP: Transferring IP and Technology” should be discussed at its thirty-second session, the topic “AI Impacts for IP and Development” at its thirty-third session, and the topic “IP and the Judiciary:  Building Capacities and Expertise” at its thirty-fourth session.  

Among noticeable statements, Brazil emphasized aligning WIPO’s intellectual property mandate with UN goals, supporting developing countries. The delegation stressed the development agenda’s norm-setting and member-driven approach, addressing past concerns about prioritizing rights holders over creators. The statement called for a balanced approach to IP issues, emphasizing technology accessibility for sustainable development, and urged CDIP’s involvement in digital rights discussions to address challenges from dominant platforms. 

The 31st session of the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP) witnessed successful agreements among Member States on various topics, including three new CDIP projects, the theme for the International Conference on IP and Development, approval of two webinar topics on technical assistance, and the order of topics proposed under the agenda item on “Intellectual Property and Development.” 

Thanks to WIPO, the Secretariat, and Vice-Chair Ms. Diana Passinke for their active engagement in the CDIP session.