Ms Irene Young (Hong Kong, China)

Australia

11 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND INNOVATION: SUMMARY OF THE 2017 THEME ON INCLUSIVE INNOVATION AND MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (MSMES): COLLABORATION, GROWTH AND TRADE; AND 2018 IP AND INNOVATION THEME: THE SOCIETAL VALUE OF IP IN THE NEW ECONOMY

319. Australia is pleased to co-sponsor discussions on intellectual property and innovation understanding that these frameworks can play a role in trade, investment and business confidence and development. 320. Under the topic of The Societal Value of Intellectual Property in the New Economy, we will take this opportunity to share our national experience on how balanced and effective intellectual property frameworks can contribute to business development, creative endeavour and employment under this meeting's topic of Intellectual Property Intensive Industries and their Economic Impact on Society. 321. Rather than focus on large studies and statistics, we will highlight a couple of specific examples. The first is a copyright related example and the second is an example of regional, technical cooperation regarding intellectual property valuation. 322. The rapid growth of the internet and advancements in technology has created both positive and negative effects for copyright intensive industries and its consumers. 323. Advancements mean that it has become easier to enjoy lawful content online. Australians are embracing online streaming services more than before, according to a copyright consumer survey conducted in 2017. 324. Of those surveyed, the number of Australians paying for streamed content has increased by almost 10% overall since 2015. Pricing and availability continue to be key factors for people when accessing copyright material online. 325. Recognising the importance of protecting copyright material from infringement online, in June 2015 Australia introduced a website blocking scheme for copyright owners and internet service providers to work together to disrupt large scale online copyright infringement. 326. The Australian Federal Court has ordered blocking of infringing video streaming, torrent and other websites hosting film, television and music. 327. Research shows a correlation between the introduction of the website blocking scheme and a reduction in online copyright infringement. Australia is monitoring evidence closely to better understand the impact of the scheme over time. 328. Secondly, under the WIPO-Australia Funds in Trust development assistance program. Australia funded a program for universities and research institutions in Indonesia to better understand the full cycle of intellectual property commercialisation. 329. For example, Australia supported a national training workshop on intellectual property in Jakarta in July 2017 to assist technology managers with valuing intellectual property and technologies. This has been a positive example of technical cooperation within the Indo-Pacific region.

The Council took note of the statements made.

33. The Chairperson said that this item had been put on the agenda at the request of Australia; the European Union; Japan; Switzerland; the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; and the United States. It covered two aspects of the broader topic of IP and innovation. The first sub-topic was "Inclusive Innovation and MSME Trade", a topic that the Council had discussed at its meetings in 2017. A relevant communication had been received from Australia; Canada; the European Union; Japan; Singapore; Switzerland; the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; and the United States (IP/C/W/638). The second sub-topic was "The Societal Value of IP in the New Economy", which was the theme on which the cosponsors wished to focus in 2018. A relevant communication had been received from Australia; the European Union; Japan; Switzerland; the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; and the United States (IP/C/W/641).

34. The representatives of Japan, the European Union, the United States, Switzerland, Norway, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, El Salvador, Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Israel, and South Africa took the floor.

35. The Council took note of the statements made.

IP/C/M/88, IP/C/M/88/Add.1