The WIPO Conference on IP and Public Policy Conference which took place in Geneva on 13-14 July 2009 was notable for the participation of renowned speakers from different UN agencies, governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. Many speakers brought to the audience their experience in dealing with issues that are critical to the IP policy-making process in light of the public interest. In the Climate Change Panel, Haroldo Machado Filho, suggested the creation of a public multilateral fund for purchasing licenses with a view to facilitate technology transfer, and compulsory licensing in national emergencies related to climate change. These two ideas are in line with the discussions pushed forth by developing countries in the UNFCCC. The audience would have had an interest to discuss these suggestions in detail, unfortunately there was no time left for discussion during the morning session of the first day. This was one of the weaknesses of the Conference.  Read the rest of this entry »