Thursday, July 10, 2025 , day 3 of the 66th annual meetings of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). OAPI made its mark on the proceedings through the active participation of its delegation led by its Director General, Denis L. BOHOUSSOU, and reaffirmed its central role in promoting Intellectual Property (IP) in Africa and the Francophone world.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Geneva Act
One of the highlights of the day was the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Geneva Act of the Lisbon System, dedicated to geographical indications (GIs). During a high-level panel discussion, the Director General of WIPO, Daren Tang, commended global progress in this area, which contributes positively to the development of local communities. At the same meeting, Mr. Bohoussou highlighted the progress made by OAPI member states, emphasizing the positive impact of GIs on socio-economic and local development in the region. He called for strengthened international cooperation to further promote traditional knowledge and combat rural exodus in Africa.
First milestone of the Francophone alliance of the IP
Another major event of the day was the first meeting of the Francophone IP Alliance, chaired by Pascal Faure, Director General of the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). In the presence of senior officials from WIPO, OAPI, and Francophone offices such as those of Canada, Switzerland, Monaco, and Tunisia, this meeting laid the groundwork for in-depth cooperation. Mr. Bohoussou also took the opportunity to reiterate OAPI's commitment to promoting Francophone expertise, exemplified by initiatives such as the training of judges and IP specialists at the Denis Ekani Academy.
Bilateral meetings and prospects for cooperation
In parallel with these events, the Director General continued his bilateral discussions, notably with Yasuda Futoshi, Deputy Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office (JPO). Both parties welcomed the results achieved through their collaboration, particularly regarding the funding of activities by the Japanese Global Trust Fund. New avenues for collaboration were also discussed, including the training of OAPI junior engineers in substantive patent examination, JPO participation in the Master's program in Patent Engineering, and the assessment of OAPI member states' green technology needs.
Towards a better valorization of plant varieties (PVs)
Finally, a tripartite meeting between representatives of OAPI, OCVV, and UPOV explored ways to strengthen the use of plant varieties in OAPI member countries. This initiative aims to support agricultural development through the creation of a joint project.
This third day was rich in exchanges and perspectives, confirming the growing recognition of OAPI as an essential player in the global IP system.
