DDG Hill discussed the pivotal timing of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) negotiations, which aligned with the World Wide Web's release into the public domain. This development, originating from the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, was noted for its profound impact on the global economy. Hill mentioned the intertwining of intellectual property with trade policy during the rise of digital technology, altering how knowledge is created and shared.
Hill highlighted the importance of a balanced intellectual property framework for supporting innovation ecosystems and attracting investment. She stated, "Well-conceived and balanced IP regimes enable global collaboration, particularly in regions that have embraced technology as a strategic driver of growth."
The IP and Innovation Researchers of Asia (IPIRA) conference, now in its seventh year, continues to be a pivotal platform for emerging IP scholarship. The latest edition featured over 200 presentations from scholars of 150 institutions. Hasan Kleib, Deputy Director General at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), also addressed attendees. The event attracted over 300 legal scholars and intellectual property researchers from Asia and beyond.
Participants acknowledged IPIRA's influence on the regional intellectual property landscape. "IPIRA has significantly helped us refine our research and elevate the overall quality of our scholarship," said Associate Professor Althaf Marsoof of the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Dr. Henny Marlyna, Assistant Professor at Universitas Indonesia, expressed similar views, stating, "IPIRA has encouraged me to view intellectual property not just as a legal field, but as a powerful tool for shaping innovation policy and fostering economic and social development."