Future of the World Intellectual Property Organization


On October 4, 2004, the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization agreed to adopt a proposal offered by Argentina and Brazil, the "Proposal for the Establishment of a Development Agenda for WIPO" (sometimes referred to as "Item 12" because of its placement listing on the meeting's agenda). This proposal was strongly supported by developing countries, as well as by a large contingent of civil society. Prior to the General Assembly meeting, hundreds of nonprofits, scientists, academics and other individuals had signed the "Geneva Declaration on the Future of WIPO," which calls on WIPO to focus more on the needs of developing countries, and to view IP as one of many tools for development - not as an end in itself.

October 4, 2004. WIPO General Assembly Decision on a Development Agenda.
October 4, 2004. Civil Society Coalition. Statement on WIPO General Assembly Decision.

Many of these documents, as well as other related information, can be found in French at Debat Public, and can be found in Spanish at CPRS - Peru.

Geneva Declaration on the Future of the World Intellectual Property Organization

The Geneva Declaration on the Future of WIPO is posted below in six languages. Signatures are still being accepted. If you are willing to sign this document, send an email to: geneva_declaration@cptech.org Please indicate how you would like your signature to be listed.

Also, see the List of initial signatures

Relevent WIPO Documents

Country Documents

NGO Documents

Background Readings

News Stories

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