IFIP leaders travelled to Geneva last month to attend the WSIS Forum 2022 organised by ITU. It was wonderful to attend in person and participate after a gap of almost two years.

As part of IFIP’s contribution, its International Young ICT Group – InterYIT – organised a Thematic session on Intellectual Property Rights for Information and Communication Technology. This focussed on how IP culture is developing as an area of importance for the new creativity and opportunities today’s youth are exploring through start-ups and innovations.

The thematic session involved a panel of 12 speakers from around the globe who shared their thoughts, moderated by InterYIT Chair, Dr Amit Joshi.

The session on IPR for ICT also discussed issues relating to ICT IP in the rapidly changing scenarios of Machine Learning and Artificial intelligence with a focus on young think tanks building platforms for the next generation and future society. There was significant focus on IP statutes across different geographies and nations.

The session also discussed possible solutions that might enable stakeholders to prevent their IP property from being compromised when innovators and researchers are working globally. 

IFIP’s President-elect, Anthony Wong from Australia, shared his experience as an IP Lawyer through different case-studies, highlighting potential pitfalls and suggested best practices. Around 100 people attended the panel session across both virtual and in-person modes.

Caption: IFIP leaders in the Thematic Session included (l-r): Moira de Roche (IP3 Chair), Mike Hinchey (President) and Amit Joshi (InterYIT) and Anthony Wong (President-elect).