On Monday, April 30th, the Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) hosted a panel discussion in Geneva highlighting the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in fostering innovation in emerging economies. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Betty King, served as the moderator of the event and U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization, Michael Punke, provided closing remarks. The panel was attended by nearly 50 attendees from 23 countries—including 8 ambassadors and other high-level officials. The speakers represented a broad spectrum of interests dependent on IP operating in Brazil, India, and Turkey.

Mr. Paul Needham, the President of Simpa Networks kicked off the panel by discussing the importance of IP for his India-based renewable energy company. Simpa Networks is currently focused on making affordable solar energy available to the 1.6 billion consumers worldwide who lack basic access to electricity. Mr. Needham noted that a commercial model based on a robust IP portfolio is the only way to reliably provide access to sustainable energy.

The next speaker, Mr. Bento Koike, CEO of the Brazilian company Tecsis, focused on the important role IP has played in 16 years of creating a commercial success. Tecsis is the Brazil-based world leader in wind turbine blade manufacturing. The company’s success depends on its patents and know-how to deliver cutting-edge technology to the global market. Mr. Koike shared that his company has several research and development partnerships with large international energy producers and that IP is a critical part of those cooperative efforts.

Finally, Mr. Ömer Hiziroğlu, the General Manager of the Turkish company Inovent, emphasized the importance of securing IP protection from the perspective of a potential investor. Inovent is a technology commercialization company, which specializes in the development and management of intellectual property. Mr. Hiziroğlu highlighted several technologies Inovent is incubating, which could dramatically improve health care and the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

The panel provided Geneva-based policy experts with first-hand knowledge of the importance of an effective and robust IP regime in creating jobs, delivering innovation into the hands of those that need it most, and promoting breakthrough solutions to global challenges. This event was part of GIPC’s continuing effort to bridge the gap between IP policy makers and IP users and creators. To learn more about the value of IP and the infinite possibilities IP Delivers, please visit www.ipdelivers.com.