Global Network on Intellectual Property (IP) Academies WIPO

Introduction Secretariat Current Members Membership Application Form Next Meeting

Introduction
The challenge posed by the ever rising demand for more and better qualified IP professionals in an IPconscious work-force needs to be seen in the context of a new and greatly expanded awareness of the wider appreciation of the value and potential of IP. A new IP paradigm, where IP knowledge is necessary at many different levels of enterprise, government, and of other stakeholders in their innovation activities, would be quite obvious if IP education can be designed to cater to and support diversified needs, in an interdisciplinary manner. This would particularly be the case if proactive initiatives by governments are taken to promote a nation-wide campaign for IP education at different levels. This is the context which is at the very center of government initiatives in setting up national IP Academies as national nodal points for IP education. Nearly 20 countries have taken a dynamic approach to IP education through the establishment of national IP Academies or training institutes/centers in an attempt to encourage not only universities but also other stakeholders of the IP system, such as innovation-based companies, creative industries and IP professionals to take part in IP education programs. In view of the rapidly changing technologies and globalization of the world economy, the complexity of the IP system and skills required for effective management of IP assets will continue to be common challenge for IP educational institutions. Opportunities provided by the launch of the Global Network of IP Academies should further facilitate international cooperation and exchange of various and actual experience in IP education. The World Intellectual Property Organization jointly organized with the National Institute for Industrial Property of Brazil, a first ever symposium for Intellectual Property (IP) Academies, from March 21 to 23, 2007, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In order to enhance increased cooperation for maximum impact, the Heads of IP Academies adopted a Declaration (Rio Declaration) spelling out various ways for their cooperation. They agreed to create a Global Network of IP Academies and to undertake, among other activities, strengthening of cooperation and sharing experiences among the IP Academies and training institutions. The Second Symposium for Heads of IP Academies was organized jointly by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with the State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO) and with the assistance of the China Intellectual Property Training Center (CIPTC) on May 8 and 9, 2008, in Beijing. The Second Symposium adopted the Beijing declaration and plan of action aimed at further enhancing cooperation among the GNIPA. The third Symposium for Heads of IP Academies was organized jointly by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with the European Patent Office (EPO) on June 9 and 10, 2009, in Munich. The Third Symposium adopted the Munich plan of action. The fourth Symposium was organized jointly by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with the International Intellectual Property Training Institute (IIPTI) of the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) from August 24 to 26, 2010, in Seoul. The Fourth Symposium adopted the Seoul Action Plan.

This web page has been launched in order to support the work and sharing of resources, including training programs, of the Global Network of IP Academies and to provide an effective forum for exchanging of views and experiences among the members of the network.

Secretariat

Global Intellectual Property Academy, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) International Intellectual Property Training Institute (IIPTI) of the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) WIPO Academy