In 2013, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) launched WIPO GREEN intended to be the marketplace for sustainable technology. It promotes innovation and diffusion of green technologies by connecting technology and service providers with those seeking innovative solutions. This is a program under WIPO’s Global Challenges Division work on Climate Change and Food Security was launched with 34 partners, now it has 68 wtih 2200 uploads. WIPO’s “green” mandate is to contribute to global policy discussions at the interface of intellectual property (IP) and climate change. This mandate is derived from various sources. Article 4.5 refers to the facilitation of green technology transfer in accordance with the UNFCCC. Strategic Goal VII refers to addressing IP in relation to global policy issues. Under Program 18 the expected results aims to have a functioning platform for uptake and diffusion of green technologies. Finally, WIPO Development Agenda Recommendation 25 refers to the promotion of the transfer of technology to the benefit of developing countries
There are also some areas of overlap between WIPO GREEN and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 2 refers to ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. SDG 6 refers to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, namely Target 6.3 relating to improved water quality and treatment of wastewater. SDG 7 refers to affordable and clean energy whereas SDG 13 refers to taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
WIPO GREEN identified several challenges in addressing climate change while achieving socially inclusive and environmentally benign economic growth. WIPO GREEN aims to enable more efficient adaptation and deployment of
green solutions and support innovation and tech diffusion. WIPO GREEN is an important tool for transparency and know-how helping partners and seekers answers questions such as: Which technologies are available? Who owns them?
Which technologies are needed? How to establish and structure partnerships? How to access financing solutions?
WIPO GREEN will organize an exhibition of technology providers in collaboration with the French Industrial Property Institute and the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property. (November 10-12, 2016). The call for the technology providers closed on July 15 2015. A roundtable will also be organized with on water, agriculture, solar energy and innovation for social impact.
From the above, it is clear that there are two principal components of WIPO GREEN namely the Database and the Network. On one hand, WIPO GREEN Database is freely accessible, offers a broad listing of: Products, services and
intellectual property; Needs for products, processes, know how transfer, collaboration and finance. On the other hand, WIPO GREEN Network connects green technology providers and seekers; catalyzes mutually beneficial commercial
transactions; offers many resources and services.
WIPO GREEN has numerous benefits such as: promotion of products and technologies; connection with large and small companies, IGOs and NGOs, universities, innovators and governmental agencies from around the world; identifying green technology needs in different regions; finding solutions to needs Partner with others to develop, adapt and/or commercialize technologies; accessing WIPO and third party resources and services to accelerate transactions; entering new markets; more transparent marketplace; Levelling playing field; reducing transaction costs; Building on comparative advantages of multi-stakeholder approaches; and constructively contribute to the global policy discourse.
Sources: Yesim Baykal, Presentation at WIPO-WTO Colloquium for Teachers of Intellectual Property, June 13-24, 2016
Intellectual Property and Global Challenges: WIPO Green Work on Climate Change
