The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) recently announced that it will be holding a symposium as part of its Life Sciences Program to “explore intellectual property (IP) rights and their role in the development and transfer of technologies within the context of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).” As noted by WIPO (press release link below), MEAs typically include provisions regarding technology transfer, and the “WIPO’s Symposia on Life Sciences and Intellectual Property Policy” shall provide an opportunity for policy makers and other stakeholders to share their experiences and to explore the IP dimensions of technology transfer provisions contained in MEA.” This particular Symposia, to be held on August 26, 2008, aims to provide a forum for typical “stakeholders,” including policy makers, delegates, governments, and the private sector, to exchange information regarding life sciences intellectual property. As noted within WIPO’s “Intellectual Property and Life Sciences" webpage, the life sciences cover a broad range of valuable intellectual property, noting in particular that “[t]he relationship between intellectual property and life science innovations is a particular issue of immediate interest and significance to WIPO Member States,” and that “WIPO contributes to the practical understanding of the appropriate role and impact of intellectual property rights on life science technologies, including their ethical, development and health policy implications.” Additional information regarding this Symposia and WIPO’s life sciences efforts are provided within the two links below.

WIPO Press Release: LINK
Life Sciences Symposia Webpage: LINK