In the period from 1 to 9 October 2012, in Geneva is held the fiftieth series of meetings of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The Republic of Moldova is represented at these meetings by the delegation of the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI), headed by Ms. Lilia BOLOCAN, Director General of AGEPI. At the opening of the current series of meetings was also present Mr. Victor MORARU, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the UN Office in Geneva.

In his opening message addressed to the high forum, Mr. GURRY, WIPO Director General, stated the determining position of intellectual property (IP) as a driver of innovation and competitive advantage. At the same time the growing number of “patent wars” in courts around the world once again confirmed the need for a rules-based international system.

In his address to the delegates of the member states of WIPO, delivered at the opening of the General Assembly, Dr. Fr. GURRY stated the following: “The position of IP as a battleground for intense competition reinforces the need for a rules-based international system.”

Dr. Fr. GURRY noted the constructive spirit which led to the recent adoption of the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances in June 2012, and expressed hope this would carry over in other ongoing negotiations. In particular, Dr. Fr. GURRY urged member states to endorse the proposed road map for a new international legal instrument on improving access to published works for visually impaired and print-disabled.

The Director General of WIPO also called member states for the conclusion of a new treaty on design law formalities, saying that the new instrument is not a substantive treaty, but a business facilitation treaty that simplifies formalities.

Appreciating the progress made by the member states during the last two years in the ongoing discussions on an international instrument on IP, genetic resources, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, Dr. Fr. GURRY encouraged member states to continue these discussions to work towards “a positive outcome and result at the 2013 Assemblies.”

The entire statement of Mr. Fr. GURRY can be accessed at http://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/articles/2012/article_0021.html.

In her speech addressed to the WIPO General Assembly, Ms. Lilia BOLOCAN, Director General of AGEPI, reiterated Moldova’s commitment to contribute to strengthening the intellectual property protection system internationally and nationally, to serve for the economic growth and overcome of the financial crisis. Then Ms. BOLOCAN informed the member states and WIPO’s leadership about the latest achievements of our country in building the respect for intellectual property, increasing the level of protection and enforcement of IP rights.

Details of the works of the WIPO General Assembly can be found at http://www.wipo.int/about-wipo/en/assemblies/session_50.html.