WIPO | E-Commerce Dialogue

A meaningful visit to Geneva and the World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO to facilitate the WIPO Dialogue on IP Protection in E-Commerce. The inaugural Dialogue brought together representatives of Member States, e-commerce platforms, and other partners to consider practical and collaborative approaches to combating online sales of counterfeit goods. Counterfeit trade in digital markets is a cross-border challenge that no government, platform, or rights holder can address effectively alone. Meaningful progress depends on sustained cooperation, workable enforcement mechanisms, and trust among the relevant stakeholders in future Dialogue sessions.

My thanks to Edward Kwakwa, Todd Reves, Giulia Ragonesi, and their team for the invitation, their warm hospitality, and the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation.

Delighted to meet with Director General Daren Tang. His appointment to a second term reflects Member States’ confidence in his leadership at a time when WIPO’s convening role is especially important. The organization’s work in bringing together governments, innovators, creators, businesses, and other stakeholders is essential to advancing innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship in an increasingly interconnected economy.

I was also pleased to visit the exhibition “JOURNEY of INSPIRATION: Empowering Community through Intellectual Property – Design and Creativity,” which opened in connection with the appointment of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya of Thailand as WIPO’s first Ambassador for Fashion and Design. The exhibition offered a compelling illustration of how cultural heritage, design, and the strategic use of intellectual property can create opportunity for artisans and local communities. Details: https://lnkd.in/gS2mVRG7 and https://lnkd.in/ggQ2g-mW

The visit also allowed me to reconnect with friends and colleagues whose work strengthens the international intellectual property community, and to meet many new ones.