Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism Michael Freeland is representing Antigua and Barbuda at the 68th Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, running from July 7 to 15.
Ahead of the official opening, Freeland will participate in a ministerial policy dialogue examining how innovation and creativity can shape future societies and drive sustainable economic growth.
The assemblies bring together government representatives from across the globe to address issues spanning patents, trademarks, copyright, geographical indications and the future direction of international intellectual property policy.
During his visit, Freeland is expected to meet with WIPO Director General Daren Tang, attend a ministerial meeting of Caribbean states and hold technical discussions focused on strengthening Antigua and Barbuda's intellectual property framework.
Items on the agenda include updating legislation on plant varieties, improving the country's Industrial Property Automation System and introducing online filing services. Expanding the use of the Madrid System for trademarks, along with advancing copyright reform and public awareness initiatives, are also among the priorities.
The WIPO Assemblies serve as the organisation's highest decision-making forum, convening more than 1,000 delegates from governments and international organisations to collectively shape global intellectual property policy.
