WIPO should tentatively engage with AI, says Gurry
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) should begin “tentative engagement” with artificial intelligence (AI), big data and the Internet of Things, according to its director general Francis Gurry.
Speaking at the opening of the 57th Series of Assemblies of WIPO member states, Gurry outlined new challenges stemming from an accelerating rate of innovation.
“The area has enormous implications and a multiplicity of dimensions, many of which lie well beyond the focus of IP, and considerable care will need to be exercised to ensure that we do not stray far from the mandate of the organisation,” said Gurry.
On the other hand, he added, is the impact of the classical IP system on big data and AI.
Gurry explained: “In particular, how is the IP system performing in this area in the discharge of its basic mission of encouraging and diffusing innovation? There are many questions here and our knowledge base is only just developing.”
The speed of innovation is increasing, said Gurry, adding that this produces challenges for institutional and governance frameworks throughout the world.
This includes judiciaries having to deal with IP cases related to technical questions which have been left unaddressed by law makers in some jurisdictions.
Last August, WIPO claimed that the innovation divide between the most developed and developing countries still persists.
This year, Switzerland retained its lead for the seventh consecutive year in WIPO’s innovation index.
Sweden, the Netherlands, the US and the UK complete the top five, while a group of nations including India, Kenya and Vietnam outperformed countries at the same development level.
Gurry also called for greater participation in WIPO’s international patent, trademark and design systems.
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