Singapore to Host First Intellectual Property Diplomatic Conference in Asia

Singapore will become the first Asian country to host a diplomatic conference in the field of intellectual property (IP), when IP policy makers from all member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) meet to negotiate a key international treaty in the field of trade marks next year.

The Diplomatic Conference for the Adoption of a Revised Trade Mark Law Treaty, organised by WIPO, will be held from March 13 to 31, 2006 at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Conference is expected to bring together some 650 top IP policy makers and government experts from 183 countries, the branded goods industry and the IP profession.

The aim of the Conference is to update the existing 1994 Trade Mark Law Treaty to bring it in line with the technological advances of the past decade and to simplify legal requirements for trademark licensing. The Revised Treaty will further streamline administrative procedures for trademark applicants and owners, and, as compared with the 1994 Trade Mark Law Treaty, will make provisions for electronic filing of trademark applications. The proposed revision of the Trade Mark Law Treaty will result in cheaper and more efficient trademark registration procedures at a global scale.

WIPO’s General Assembly, which met at the Organization’s Geneva headquarters from September 28 to October 5, 2005, unanimously supported Singapore’s offer to host the Diplomatic Conference. In the past, WIPO’s Diplomatic Conferences have been held in European cities such as Geneva, Bern, Paris, Hague and Madrid. Only two non-European cities, namely, Washington, D.C. and Nairobi have previously hosted a Diplomatic Conference in the field of IP. A Diplomatic Conference is convened by international law-makers for the conclusion of an international treaty.

Mr. Ernesto Rubio, WIPO Assistant Director General, who oversees WIPO’s work relating to trademarks said,

“We are honoured by Singapore’s generous offer to host this important meeting. This is a further reflection of Singapore’s dedication and commitment to promoting IP for development and wealth creation.”

Ms Liew Woon Yin, Director-General of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) said,

“The convening of the Diplomatic Conference will be a key milestone in Singapore’s journey to be a centre of excellence for IP development and business. It signals our commitment to contribute to the development of the international IP framework.”

In recent years, Singapore has significantly upgraded its IP regime and supporting infrastructure. This has been an important factor in spurring the growth of knowledge intensive business activities. Local trade mark applications have risen from some 21,000 in 2003 to more than 23,000 in 2004. IP-intensive companies are citing the well-established IP regime as a strong reason to locate in Singapore. More home-grown companies are investing in branding and venturing overseas. The local creative industries, such as the media and the arts sectors, are also showing strong promise.

Issued by:

The Ministry of Law and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore30 November 2005

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms Joann Tan
Tel: 6332 8828
E-mail: joann_tan@mlaw.gov.sg
Ministry of Law

Ms Angelia Chia
Tel: 6331 6572
E-mail: angelia_chia@ipos.gov.sg
IPOS

For information on WIPO, please contact:

WIPO Media Relations and Public Affairs Section
Tel: +4122-3388161/9547
E-mail: publicinf@wipo.int

About WIPO
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is an international organization dedicated to helping to ensure that the rights of creators and owners of intellectual property (IP) are protected worldwide and that inventors and authors are, thus, recognized and rewarded for their ingenuity. The IP system offers a number of safeguards and incentives that act as a spur to human creativity, extending the boundaries of science and technology and enriching the world of literature and the arts. WIPO works in close cooperation with its member states to promote IP around the globe and to ensure that all member states are in a position to reap the benefits of an effective and affordable system of IP protection to promote wealth creation and economic development. Its main activities include the progressive development of international IP law and assistance to developing countries to build IP capacity at national and regional levels and encourage more effective use of IP as a tool for economic development. WIPO also provides services to industry and the private sector to facilitate the process of obtaining IP protection in multiple countries. (WIPO website: www.wipo.int)

About IPOS
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore or IPOS is the lead government agency that formulates and regulates Intellectual Property (IP) laws, promotes IP awareness and provides the infrastructure to facilitate the greater development of IP in Singapore. With IP fast becoming a critical resource in today’s new economy, IPOS’ vision is to foster a creative Singapore where ideas and intellectual efforts are valued, developed and exploited. Formerly known as the Registry of Trade Marks and Patents, IPOS was established as a statutory board of the Ministry of Law on 1 April 2001. More information on IPOS can be found on www.ipos.gov.sg