H.E. Ambassador Dr Walter Werner

China

10 TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING

286.   In 2017 the theme of World Intellectual Property Day was innovation and how it improves our lives, similar to the topic we discuss today. From new materials to new transportation technologies, it is no doubt that Innovation has changed our lives. 287.   While the intellectual property system is a crucial part of a successful innovation system, it contributes to the protection of innovation and helps to transfer and dissemination of technology. 288.   China attaches great importance to innovation. And in order to better protect innovation, China has built an intellectual property system based on the international rules. Under the protection of intellectual property, in 2017, there were 1.3 million patent applications, 5.7 million trademark registration applications, and 2.7 million registrations of copyrights. All three numbers hit a record high. 289.   In 2017, China's e-commerce industry led to employment of 42.5 million people. Innovation plays an important role in changing the Chinese people living standard and stimulating economic growth. 290.   But we still recognize the huge gap in the current innovation field. At present, developed country Members created more innovations. At the same time developing and LDC Members created less. China believes that innovation should not only be the "toy" for developed Members, but also can allow more people to share the benefits of innovation.

33.   The Chair said the TRIPS Council had regularly conducted annual reviews of technical cooperation and capacity building activities at its end of the year meeting, based on reports submitted by developed country Members, international organizations and the WTO Secretariat. In line with past practice, he suggested the following approach:
a. The next review should take place at the meeting of the TRIPS Council, scheduled for 89 November 2018;

b. Developed country Members were invited to submit information on their activities, pursuant to Article 67 of the TRIPS Agreement. Other Members who also engage in technical cooperation were, of course, encouraged to share information if they so wished;

c. Intergovernmental organizations with observer status in the TRIPS Council, as well as the WTO Secretariat, were invited to report on their relevant activities; and

d. The deadline to submit written information would be set on 12 October 2018, i.e. four weeks prior to the TRIPS Council meeting, in order to allow timely circulation before the meeting.
34.   The Council so agreed.

IP/C/M/89, IP/C/M/89/Add.1