IQsensato Studies

IQsensato Studies is a policy series which provides a platform for presenting the results of IQsensato’s internal policy analysis. The Series presents original peer-reviewed papers containing the final results of specific research and policy projects and is aimed at disseminating the latest ideas and findings by IQsensato members, directors, staff, advisors and Research Associates. The Studies, unless otherwise indicated, can be downloadable free of charge. To order hard copies  send an e-mail to info@IQsensato.org.

Current Issue

IQsensato Studies 2 (working draft)

“The Development Agenda and the Changing Face of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)“ by Sisule F. Musungu

IQsensato is pleased, on this occassion of the World Intellectual Property Day and the start of the Fifth Session of the WIPO Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP), to share our latest publication titled “The Development Agenda and the Changing Face of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)”. This Study, presented under the IQsensato Studies series, was authoured by Sisule Musungu.

The Study, in its current form, is a working draft and feedback is welcome. You can send comments or suggestions and criticisms to the author at sisule@iqsensato.org.

In this Study, Musungu argues that the Development Agenda has already had some transformative impact on WIPO’s governance and activities. The Agenda, he also argues, holds the potential to further transform the organisation as well as the overall governance and management of IP, including at the national level. According to him, the Development Agenda can act as a transformative force for three main reasons. First, the Agenda provides a framework through which the theoretical balance between various interests in the IP system can be translated into practice. Second, the Agenda offers a unique opportunity to build an evidence base for international and national policy-making. Finally, the Development Agenda has catalysed increased resources and expertise that is dedicated to ensuring that IP protection and enforcement supports development goals.

The Study assesses how the Development Agenda is changing WIPO and the opportunities as well as the challenges which its implementation presents for WIPO stakeholders. It provides an overview of the key milestones reached so far in the implementation of the Agenda; discusses the Agenda’s transformative potential; reviews the current implementation strategies, institutional frameworks and stakeholder engagement; and discusses a set of systemic challenges and risks to the long-term success, including questions relating to ensuring that WIPO remains a relevant international forum for norm-setting and IP governance.

Previous Issues

IQsensato Studies 1
“Innovation and Intellectual Property in the EC-CARIFORUM EPA: Lessons for Other ACP Regions” by Sisule F. Musungu

This study analyses the innovation and intellectual property (IP) provisions in the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Community (EC) and its Member States and 15 Caribbean countries grouped together as CARIFORUM.

In particular, the study considers if, and in which ways, the obligations assumed by CARIFORUM countries extend the obligations assumed by these countries under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) in a manner that compromises their ability to address their development needs, a situation commonly referred to as TRIPS-plus.