Global experts in intellectual property celebrated the opening of the 43rd AIPPI World Intellectual Property Congress in Seoul on Saturday.

The dynamic performance of a keunbuk (large Korean drum) sounded the opening of the congress to the estimated 1,800 participants from about 80 countries around the world. 

AIPPI President Kim Yoon-bae greeted the members and prominent guests first in Korean and then in the four official AIPPI languages of English, French, German and Spanish.

With 115 years of history and a current membership of 9,000 from over 100 countries, AIPPI is the longest-serving organization among the IP international associations in the world. Over the period of its long history, it has made substantial contributions to IP development throughout the world.

It is the first time that the AIPPI World IP Congress has been held in Korea and the second time in Asia.

In the opening address, AIPPI President Kim emphasized the need to create a balance between IP holders and the general public, large corporations and small and medium-sized companies, especially in the wider context of developing and developed countries. He said that it was time for IP professionals to define current IP issues in order to study and find solutions.

For AIPPI’s future development, Kim suggested that the association look to streamline its own administrative system and cited the use of four different languages in official statements as an example of something that could be simplified.

In the welcoming address, Kim Seong-ki, the chairperson of the organizing committee for the AIPPI World IP Congress in Seoul, underlined the significance of hosting such an event in Korea, especially given its place at the heart of the Northeast Asian region, where incredible economic strides and advances in intellectual property have been made. In recent years more than 60 percent of world IP filings have originated from the region.

Korean Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik addressed the World IP Congress on behalf of the Korean government. In his speech, he called attention to the role of IP in helping build a fair environment for creative and innovative spirit in the era of technology. He mentioned the recent establishment of the Presidential Council on Intellectual Property as action the Korean government has taken to promote IP.

In his congratulatory message at the ceremony, James Pooley, the deputy director general of World Intellectual Property Organization, or WIPO, expressed his gratitude for the role AIPPI has played as experts on world IP matters. He pointed out that this is particularly noteworthy considering that it is a voluntary organization. Also, he lauded Korea as a shining example of the benefits of having a strong IP system.

The opening ceremony ended with a samulnori performance. The congress sessions will continue to take place until October 23 at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul.

By Joo So-hyun, Organizing Committee for 2012 AIPPI Seoul