Geneva, Switzerland: Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has called for a more accessible and people-centred global intellectual property (IP) system as Uganda joins delegates from around the world at the 68th Session of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The annual assemblies, taking place from July 7 to 16, bring together WIPO member states to deliberate on global intellectual property policy, innovation, creativity and the future of the international IP ecosystem.
Uganda’s delegation is led by Hon. Norbert Mao and includes the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ambassador Marcel Robert Tibaleka, Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Deputy Registrar General for Registries Mustapher Ntale, and Assistant Commissioner for Registration Services Julius Lubwama.
Addressing the Assembly on Tuesday, Hon Mao urged the international intellectual property community to make IP systems more practical, inclusive and beneficial to ordinary innovators, entrepreneurs and creators.
He said the effectiveness of intellectual property frameworks should be measured not by their legal complexity but by their ability to improve lives and stimulate innovation.
“We need a more accessible, practical and people-centred global intellectual property system,” Mao told delegates.
The minister challenged member states and international institutions to simplify technical knowledge and translate complex intellectual property concepts into practical solutions that can easily be understood and utilised by innovators and local communities.
Using the analogy of a “step-down transformer,” Mao said international intellectual property systems should convert complex legal frameworks into practical tools that empower citizens, businesses and creative industries.
He noted that a truly effective intellectual property regime should foster inclusive innovation, protect creators and contribute directly to socio-economic transformation.
The WIPO Assemblies serve as the organisation’s highest decision-making forum, bringing together member states to review programmes, approve budgets and shape international intellectual property policies.
The meetings also provide countries with an opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation on issues relating to patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs and other intellectual property rights.
Uganda’s participation reflects the country’s continued commitment to strengthening its intellectual property framework as a driver of innovation, investment and economic growth.
Officials said the discussions will contribute to ongoing efforts to improve intellectual property protection in Uganda while creating an enabling environment for innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs and the creative sector.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting the protection of intellectual property worldwide through international cooperation.
Uganda is a member of WIPO and continues to strengthen its intellectual property ecosystem through the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), which administers the registration of trademarks, patents, industrial designs and copyrights.
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