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12 October 2016Copyright

WIPO agrees to open new offices in Africa

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has agreed to open new offices in Africa.

Member states agreed yesterday, October 11, to launch external offices in Algeria and Nigeria.

The move is part of an expanded network of overseas offices that “promote WIPO services and cooperation” around the world.

Member states also pledged to “continue discussions” on the opening of four other offices by the end of 2019.

The agreements were made at the assemblies of member states in Geneva.

Additionally, delegates approved recommendations made by the coordination committee surrounding the strengthening of internal procedures on procurement, internal oversight and whistle-blower protections.

The coordination committee is the governing body responsible for staff matters at WIPO.

At the event, the Marrakesh Assembly met at its inaugural session to discuss the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty, which aims to give visually impaired people access to copyright works. It came into effect on September 30.

During the meeting, Sri Lanka, Botswana and Liberia joined the treaty, which brings the membership to 25.

Francis Gurry, director at WIPO, said: “I congratulate and thank member states for their engagement and decisions that will help WIPO increase its activities worldwide as intellectual property plays an increasingly important role in the global economy.”

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30 September 2016   The World Intellectual Property Organization’s director, Francis Gurry, has welcomed the entry into force of the Marrakesh Treaty.