April 26, 2024In this episode Professor Jacques de Werra, editor of the book entitled ‘Intellectual Property and Sustainable Development’, outlines some important and timely sustainable development themes in relation to intellectual property. Green technologies, upcycling, greenwashing and more topics are discussed.  The theme of this episode relates to the 2024 World IP Day 'IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity'. About the author:Jacques de Werra is full professor of the law of obligations (contract law) and of intellectual property law at the Faculty of Law, University of Geneva, Switzerland. He is also the Director of the Digital Law Center (www.digitallawcenter.ch). Professor de Werra coordinates the Summer School on Intellectual Property Law co-organized with WIPO since 2011. His full biography can be found here. The book: : Intellectual Property and Sustainable DevelopmentMore about the book: University of Geneva (open access as of March 3, 2025)Book series on Intellectual Property Law: CollectionFind in the WIPO Knowledge Center: WKC Knowledge Repository

In this episode Tarja Koskinen-Olsson explains how users of text and image-based works, and other important stakeholders can benefit fromunderstanding how collective management functions in practice.  Tarja provides examples of how copies can be effectively managed with the assistance of collective management organizations.  Listen to this and more, as Tarja shares information about the WIPO publication ‘Collective Management of Text and Image-Based Works’.About the author:Tarja has solid experience of collective management of copyright and related rights in different creative sectors, both in Finland and in different parts of the world. Starting with collective management of rights in the music sector, she continued to build appropriate solutions for the text and image and audiovisual sectors in Finland, where she functioned as the CEO of KOPIOSTO, the joint copyright organization of the country. She served as Chairperson of the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO) in the 1990s and later on as the Honorary President of the Federation. She now devotes her time to discussing appropriate solutions with policy makers and practitioners in developing and least-developed countries, working as International Adviser of Olsson & Koskinen Consulting.

The Green Technology Book focuses on today’s green technologies and how they are responding to some of the most critical challenges of climate change. Peter Oksen and Shanar Tabrizi highlight how this digital-first publication puts innovation, technology and IP at the forefront in the fight against climate change.  Listen to learn how these sustainable technologies can be accessed, and how you too can also contribute to the WIPO GREEN database.About the authors:Peter Oksen has more than 25 years’ experience in socio-economic development and natural resources management and holds a PhD in International Development Studies. He has lived in South East Asia for a decade, working as researcher, consultant, and head of the Danida Environmental Support Programme in Indonesia. Before joining WIPO in 2018, he helped develop the environmental and social safeguard framework and tools for the World Food Programme in Rome.  At WIPO GREEN, Peter is responsible for the Green Technology Book, acceleration projects, research, expert guidance, and development of the database of needs and technologies.                  Shanar Tabrizi holds a Master of Science in Engineering specialized in energy systems and industrial ecology. She is currently working as a Climate Change Technology Expert at WIPO. Shanar has more than 7 years’ experience in global technology and climate change issues, with previous positions at the UNFCCC Climate Technology Centre & Network, Zero Waste Europe as well as assignments as an independent consultant. 

Champagne is a well-known geographical indication, not to mention a favorite wine for many celebrations.   Tilar Mazzeo shares with us the story of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, The Widow Clicquot, who became one of the world’s first important businesswomen and one of the richest women of her time.  Her innovative approach to making champagne is still in use today.About Tilar:Holding a number of tenured, sessional, and research-exclusive academic positions over a twenty-year career - in fields ranging from English literature and narrative nonfiction to management and business in the wine industry – Tilar Mazzeo retired early from teaching and the academic track in order to pursue writing full-time.  She received Gourmand's award for the bestselling "oenobiography," for The WidowClicquot.The book: The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It

Co-editor, Claudy Op den Kamp, talks us through some of the objects covered in the book ‘A History of Intellectual Property in 50 Objects’.  The objects discussed relate to women and their innovation and creativity.  These objects offer us an opportunity to reflect on the past, present and future of IP.   About Claudy: Claudy Op den Kamp is Principal Academic in Film, and faculty member at the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy & Management.  Claudy’s research interests include (the role of copyright in) film restoration, access to archival film collections, and found footage filmmaking practices. She is the author of ‘The Greatest Films Never Seen. The Film Archive and the Copyright Smokescreen’ (Amsterdam University Press, 2018).   Book: A History of Intellectual Property in 50 Objects Review article: WIPO Magazine

The book  ‘Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Cleantech : A Pathway for Developing Countries’ envisions both global cleantech development and international cleantech transfer as necessary means for addressing climate change. The author, Joy Y. Xiang, proposes a possible solution for developing countries that involves international aid, international cleanteach cooperation and domestic cleantech innovation.   About Joy:   Joy Xiang is a Professor of Law at Peking University School of Transnational Law. Her interdisciplinary and evidence-based research explores ways to enhance innovation and collaboration. Joy’s teaching includes U.S. and international IP, Patent Law, and IP Strategies. Joy’s background includes law, public policy, technology entrepreneurship, and computer science.  Joy has previously worked in the technology industry for fifteen years, in roles such as a software engineer and program manager for Motorola, an IP attorney representing various organizations and inventors, and corporate counsel for Microsoft. You may find Joy’s research publications on SSRN, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. The book: Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Cleantech : A Pathway for Developing Countries  

The guide ‘Intellectual Property Strategies for Start-ups’ covers the ‘how to’ for protecting IP in a start-up context and in developing a robust IP strategy.  The editor of the book, Stefan Golkowsky, highlights the practical aspects of the book’s contents that appeal to entrepreneurs, legal practitioners, auditing and consulting companies, as well as investors and founders of companies.  About Stefan: A partner at PFENNING Patent Attorneys and Lawyers, Stefan (LINK: https://pfenning.eu/en/stefan-golkowsky/ ) has represented clients in proceedings before the EPO's Boards of Appeal and the German Federal Supreme Court. He serves as a supervisory board member in the technology sector and he has published in the USA, the UK, China and Germany on the subject of IP. The book: Intellectual Property Strategies for Start-ups: A Practical Guide

‘Rights, Camera, Action!’ offers professionals in the audiovisual industry guidance on how to use IP to generate business opportunities. Bertrand Moullier takes us through the different stages of filmmaking - from securing finance to distribution - to ensure a successful audiovisual production that will help filmmakers monetize their creative content. About Bertrand: An independent audiovisual industry consultant based in London, United Kingdom, his company, NARVAL Media Ltd, provides advisory and advocacy services to international trade associations representing the different components of the audiovisual value chain. Prior to his consultancy career, Bertrand was an executive in trade associations representing the audiovisual production industries in the United Kingdom (the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television) and globally (the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations). The book: Rights, Camera, Action! Intellectual Property Rights and the Film-Making Process, 2nd edition

Innovation is key to addressing the global challenges of the mining sector.  It is an essential part of a cost-effective and environmentally responsible mineral recovery process.  Listen as Giulia Valacchi highlights the notable page points of the book “Global Challenges for Innovation in Mining Industries” which analyzes how our increasing demand for mineral materials requires the support of the global innovation ecosystem.   About Giulia: An external consultant and former research fellow in the Innovation Economics Section at WIPO’s Department of Economics and Data Analytics, Giulia holds a PhD in International Economics from the Graduate Institute of Geneva.  She is currently working as the CEO in an Italian Startup which deals with tourism for which she helped to create.   The book: Global Challenges for Innovation in Mining Industries

Patenting activity in artificial intelligence (AI) is booming. But what are the implications –ethically, practically, and legally – that come with this increasing trend?  Ryan Abbott explores this and more in his book “The Reasonable Robot: Artificial Intelligence and the Law”, and poses the thought that with new technology should come an adaptive legal framework – one that doesn’t discriminate between AI and human behavior.  About Ryan: Ryan Abbott, MD, JD, MTOM, PhD is Professor of Law and Health Sciences at the University of Surrey School of Law and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He has published widely on issues associated with law and technology, health law, and intellectual property in leading legal, medical, and scientific books and journals. Ryan’s book: The Reasonable Robot    

Intellectual property (IP) is emerging as one of the key growth factors in the tourism industry, but what are the practical implications? Join Patricia Carmona and Mary Hayrapetyan as they highlight the page points of the publication “Boosting Tourism Development through Intellectual Property”, co-published by WIPO and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Using real-life case studies as examples, they guide us through the potential of IP to add value to touristic activities as travel rebounds from the global pandemic.   About Patricia and Mary: Patricia Carmona is a Senior Specialist in the Tourism Market Intelligence and Competitiveness Department at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Mary Hayrapetyan is an Associate Program Officer in WIPO’s Development Agenda Coordination Division.   The book: Boosting Tourism Development through Intellectual Property

What role does intellectual property (IP) play in the fashion industry? Author and IP lawyer Rosie Burbidge shares page points from her book "European Fashion Law: A Practical Guide from Start-up to Global Success" – and discusses the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and the future of the industry. About Rosie Burbidge: As an intellectual property (IP) lawyer in the United Kingdom, Rosie Burbidge works with clients across many industries – from fashion and retail to gaming, blockchain, and education. Rosie has worked on a variety of IP disputes including trademarks, passing off, designs, copyright and confidential information, patents and format rights. More on Rosie here. Find Rosie's book here.