CSD invited to act as observer at international Working Group in Geneva

The Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) has been granted observer status to the meetings of the Assemblies of the member States of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the Unions administered by WIPO.

CSD Chief Executive Frank Peters FCSD said;

"This is a unique opportunity for CSD to influence the International IP agenda for the benefit of its members and the design profession.

This appointment continues our strategy of international collaboration on initiatives that will influence new working models for design.

There is a large degree of scepticism in the west as to the protection of IP when dealing with the emerging and Far East economies but these concerns are echoed by those with whom we are collaborating in Asia and our regional members there.

The work of WIPO is essential in establishing agreements that protect designers around the world and we are pleased to be able to offer our assistance as Observers."

The Society will be attending its first meeting in March and will also be promoting IP issues to members and the UK design sector as part of WIPO's annual World Intellectual Property Day on 26 April 2008.

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

WIPO was established by the WIPO Convention in 1967 with a mandate from its Member States to promote the protection of IP throughout the world through cooperation among states and in collaboration with other international organizations. Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is dedicated to developing a balanced and accessible international intellectual property (IP) system, which rewards creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development while safeguarding the public interest.