WIPO visit cements Australia’s leading role in international IP

IP Australia is pleased to welcome the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to Australia, in a visit that acknowledges Australia’s contribution to a recent Treaty outcome and cements our significant role in the global Intellectual Property (IP) ecosystem. 

During his visit, Director General Daren Tang will celebrate the conclusion of the Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge, meeting with IP Australia Director General Michael Schwager, Indigenous leaders and Australian Government officials who helped negotiate the outcome.  

He will also meet with Australian innovators, industry leaders, and researchers in a series of panel events and roundtables that consider the future of IP, international trade and how IP improves lives. 

Director General Tang’s mission is to enhance international collaboration in advancing IP systems that are inclusive and beneficial to all.  

“I am pleased to be on my first official visit to Australia, which has played an important role in WIPO’s development for many decades and most recently in the historic new WIPO Treaty on IP, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge,” Director General Tang said. 
 
“As a land of advanced technological innovation as well as holder of a rich and ancient cultural heritage, Australia is really a bridge between modernity and tradition, and able to show how both can reinforce one another.  
 
“I’m looking forward to my discussions with Australian Indigenous leaders, researchers, Government officials and others on how we can build a global IP ecosystem that supports innovation and inclusivity at the same time.”  

Mr Schwager highlighted the importance of WIPO Director General Tang’s visit in building understanding of intellectual property (IP) issues and strengthening global links to grow innovation. 

“Director General Tang's visit demonstrates the strong bilateral cooperation between IP Australia and WIPO and highlights our shared commitment to promoting the role of intellectual property (IP) in innovation, investment and trade,” Mr Schwager said.  
 
IP Australia has participated in more than 20 years’ of work towards protecting Indigenous Knowledge and advocated strongly for the treaty outcome during long-running negotiations, which concluded at the WIPO Diplomatic Conference in Geneva in May. 

The Treaty provides a key first international step for increased transparency and recognition for Indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge in the IP system.  

It contains a framework for new requirements on patent applicants to disclose the source of genetic resources, such as plants and animals, and associated traditional knowledge used in their patents.  

The increased transparency strengthens First Nations Australians’ self-determination to protect their cultural knowledge and leverage its economic potential.  

The Australian Government will also continue to work alongside First Nations Australians to jointly design new laws to protect First Nations traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.