WIPO Launches Tool to Track IP Policy Information in Member States during COVID-19 Pandemic

On May 5, 2020, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) launched a new tool that tracks COVID-19 related intellectual property (IP) policy changes or other measures being implemented by WIPO member states in their response to the global pandemic. This is the latest in a series of measures taken by WIPO in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 IP Policy Tracker is an information repository that will help all stakeholders navigate changes implemented by the worldwide IP community as it adjusts to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said WIPO Director General Dr. Francis Gurry.

Many national and regional IP offices are implementing measures to assist applicants and owners of IP rights, for example by providing extensions of time or grace periods for fee payments.

In addition, a number of member states have or are considering special measures such as compulsory licenses, should potentially relevant products and technologies be identified. Many in the private sector are implementing voluntary measures to assist and a multitude of technology and projects are ongoing.

With an initial group of 12 countries, the COVID-19 IP Policy Tracker will be updated regularly. It is freely accessible through a database interface.

The source – World Intellectual Property Organization.