The United States delivered an opening statement at the 66th Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Coke Morgan Stewart, Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Acting Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, addressed the assembly.
Stewart expressed satisfaction with the leadership presiding over the General Assembly. The statement emphasized WIPO's mandate to promote intellectual property protection globally. Stewart highlighted that international filing and registration services are central to WIPO's mission and need continuous improvement.
A key point raised was ensuring that WIPO systems facilitate global protection efficiently. The U.S. opposed additional requirements in the PCT system that do not pertain to patentability, such as disclosing traditional knowledge or genetic resources.
Stewart also called for all registration systems to achieve financial self-sufficiency. The statement opposed imposing fees on PCT and Madrid filers to subsidize financially unsustainable systems like Lisbon.
Looking ahead, Stewart stressed aligning committee mandates with promoting global IP protection, a crucial factor in economic prosperity worldwide. The remarks concluded by quoting President Trump's 2025 World IP Day proclamation on empowering creators through IP promotion and protection.
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