United Kingdom's Statement at the 66th World Intellectual Property Organization General Assemblies in July 2025
The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) during the 66th session of the WIPO Assemblies, emphasising leadership, cooperation, and multilateralism.
In a statement, the UK commends the positive leadership of Director General Tang over the past four years, praising his role in preparing the session and guiding WIPO's work effectively. The UK also appreciates WIPO's responsible and prudent financial management, particularly in uncertain global economic times.
The UK values the commitment of WIPO to keeping the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the Hague System, and the Madrid System central to its work. These systems are seen as essential for UK businesses, providing cost-effective global intellectual property protection.
The UK applauds recent achievements such as the adoption of the design law and genetic resources treaties, which it views as evidence that multilateral cooperation within WIPO can deliver meaningful progress. In line with this, the UK intends to sign the Design Law Treaty during the session, supporting global designers and small businesses.
The UK also supports efforts to build a more inclusive IP system, focusing on programs for women, youth, and underrepresented groups, and initiatives like the Global Entrepreneurship Empowerment program. The UK strongly endorses WIPO's focus on scaling up climate technology transfer and engaging private sector partners to address environmental and socioeconomic challenges.
The Secretariat has prepared a report on assistance for Ukraine's innovation and creativity sector (document A/66/8). The UK salutes Ukraine's resilience and innovation in the face of such adversity, and welcomes the support provided by WIPO.
The UK's participation in the 66th session of the WIPO Assemblies underscores its ongoing commitment to a WIPO that is efficient, inclusive, and focused on delivering for global innovators and creators. The UK has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WIPO Green last year and has since joined its Board to deepen collaboration. The expansion of WIPO GREEN is welcome, as it recognises IP's role in tackling climate change.
The UK thanks Ambassador Suescum, Director General Tang, and the Secretariat for preparing the session, and encourages all delegations to work towards consensus in the General Assembly as they discuss several challenging issues, including WIPO's program and budget for 2026/27.
In the context of strengthening global innovation and self-development, the UK commends WIPO's focus on scaling up climate technology transfer, which includes engaging private sector partners to address environmental and socioeconomic challenges, thus fostering advancements in sports and other tech-driven fields. The UK also recognizes the importance of education-and-self-development programs for women, youth, and underrepresented groups, and supports WIPO's initiatives like the Global Entrepreneurship Empowerment program.
