In the News

Formulation and Implementation of IP Development Plans

Some 30 senior IP officials from 24 countries in Asia and the Pacific region participated in a capacity building workshop, held in Singapore from June 2 to 4, on the formulation and implementation of IP development plans. Jointly organized by WIPO and the Government of Singapore, the workshop discussed IP development plans from conception to implementation.

The aim of IP development plans is to address the specific IP needs of a country in the context of a time-bound, objective-oriented and result-based framework of technical assistance. When formulated in close consultations with national authorities and on the basis of a thorough assessment (audit) of IP needs and requirements, taking into account national IP policies and development objectives, IP development plans enable more targeted, systematic and effective technical assistance from WIPO.

Such plans, which include concrete targets and deliverables as well as mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation, permit countries to better coordinate and assess progress in strengthening human, institutional and infrastructural capacities; ensure effective cohesion of assistance programs and optimal use of resources; and help develop partnerships and synergies by providing a common reference point for intensifying cooperation. WIPO aims to employ such plans increasingly in delivering legal and technical assistance to developing and least developed countries.

Green Apple®?

Your iPod, iPhone and MacBook may soon run on solar re-powered batteries. The US Patent and Trademark Office has just published a patent application by Apple (US 20080094025) for a thin film of solar cells to be integrated into portable devices. The multiple cell solar film is designed to produce the desired voltage to run a handheld device even if a number of the cells are obstructed.

But where will they put it? The limited space on portable devices is the principal reason why none - so far - have been solar powered...