Developing Nations Demand WIPO IP Enforcement Align With Development Agenda

Developing Nations Align WIPO Advisory Committee on Enforcement with Development Agenda

Developing Nations Define Enforcement Mandate

During the 68th series of meetings of WIPO member states, developing countries insisted that the work of the Advisory Committee on Enforcement (ACE) remain balanced, proportionate and responsive to national circumstances and firmly anchored in the WIPO Development Agenda. The discussions centered on a report, document WO/GA/60/9, presented by Assistant Director-General Edward Kwakwa of the Global Challenges and Partnership Sector, concerning the committee’s 18th session. That session, which took place from June 2 to 4, 2026, under the chairmanship of Tim Werner of Switzerland, addressed four work programme areas through 33 presentations, one panel discussion, and five Secretariat presentations. According to Third World Network, the Secretariat’s activities were explicitly guided by specific Development Agenda recommendations, including numbers 1, 3, 6, 10–14, 17, 40, and 45.

The African Group, represented by South Africa, laid out a clear limiting condition for its engagement with ACE work. The group emphasized that enforcement measures must remain balanced, proportionate and responsive to national circumstances. The group also encouraged WIPO to continue providing demand-driven technical assistance and capacity-building programs, specifically for young people, enforcement authorities and business operating in increasing digital and technological-driven markets.

“Enforcement measures must remain balanced, proportionate and responsive to national circumstances. They should support innovation while safeguarding broader public policy objectives, including public health, access to knowledge and sustainable development,” stated the African Group, as reported by Third World Network.

GRULAC and Regional Blocs Address Biopiracy and Digital Infringement

Regional Priorities and Digital Challenges

Different regional blocs utilized the Geneva meetings to highlight specific concerns ranging from biopiracy to the rise of digital infringement. The Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC), speaking through El Salvador, reaffirmed that the ACE has proven itself to be a valuable space for the exchange of experiences. The group urged the committee to continue considering challenges related to biopiracy associated challenges and those related to the misappropriation of genetic resources and traditional associated traditional knowledge. GRULAC gave specific “emphasis” to a panel from the 18th session regarding the impact in the biotechnology sector of Intellectual Property rights infringements, describing it as an area that's of special relevance for many countries in our region.

Meanwhile, the Central European and Baltic States (CEBS) group, through Albania, welcomed discussions on best practices and national experience, especially practices that are dedicated to the fight against online piracy, stating they highly value[d] WIPO's legislative assistance and capacity building for national officials. The Central Asian, Caucasus and Eastern European Countries (CASEEC) group, represented by the Russian Federation, advocated for a unified approach to checking Intellectual Property Rights and participants of digital platforms to counter violations in the digital environment.

OAPI Delegation Expands Institutional Cooperation with OMPIC and Japan Patent Office

OAPI Strategic Partnerships and Economic Growth

Parallel to the formal assembly proceedings, the OAPI delegation, led by Director General Denis Bohoussou, focused on expanding its institutional cooperation. OAPI engaged in a series of high-level meetings, including the second annual conference of the Francophone Alliance for Intellectual Property. This alliance brought together intellectual property offices from the full member states of the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF), as well as partners including the Permanent Conference of African and Francophone Consular Chambers (CPCCAF) and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF). For WIPO Director General Daren Tang, these actions demonstrate the region’s robust infrastructure and its potential for the collective development of its assets.

The OAPI delegation also formalized its future cooperation through a new 2026-2027 Work Plan signed with the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC). This agreement, signed with OMPIC Director General Abdelaziz Babqiqi, aims to enhance joint actions in the areas of industrial property development, expertise sharing, and capacity building. Additionally, OAPI held discussions with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) delegation, led by Deputy Commissioner Yasuda Futoshi, regarding substantive patent examination, which both parties identified as an essential procedure for improving the quality of granted patents and supporting innovation.

India and China Reaffirm TRIPS Agreement Standards for Global IP Systems

Balancing Rights and Obligations

The debate over the scope of IP enforcement reflects a long-standing tension within the international intellectual property system. India, intervening in the assembly discussions, anchored its position in the TRIPS balance. The nation argued that enforcement must be balanced, holistic, effective and consistent with the TRIPS Agreement to ensure that IP protection promotes technological innovation and transfer and dissemination of technology while maintaining a balance of rights and obligations, citing Article 7 of TRIPS. China also participated, stating it would continue supporting and actively participating in the work of ACE to build a more robust global IP system and more favourable international business environment.

As the WIPO member states conclude their meetings, the committee has agreed to continue its current work program at its 19th session.

Sources: TWN, oapi.int.