This joint South Centre/UNITAR e-Learning course stands out as it focuses on the main challenges facing IP policymakers in developing countries in designing and implementing suitable IP frameworks and policies. International debates on intellectual property (IP) are becoming increasingly focused on the need to integrate a “development dimension” into IP policy making. An ongoing process in this direction is the implementation of the “WIPO Development Agenda”.  As of 2007, it directs WIPO to adopt a broader approach to promoting creativity and innovation, and the link between intellectual property and development that goes beyond simply promoting IP property protection.

Over 40 officials and professionals from the private and public sector in developing countries and LDCs are currently participating in this seven-week course which will end on October 21, 2011. A panel of international experts led by Prof. Carlos Correa, South Centre, Special Advisor on Trade and Intellectual Property, is mentoring the participants and moderating the weekly thematic online discussions which are among the highlights of this course.

In the first week, students were asked to share their thoughts on Intellectual Property.  Ms. Marcela Rivadeneira of the Government of Ecuador said:

“The IP is a topic that affects everyone because it is related to the production and enjoyment of public goods. This is one of the reasons it is necessary to have some intellectual property standards that could be used by the countries as guidelines to create their own rules. We need to consider that there are some countries that are more advanced in this matter than others. Therefore, the laws and principles that have been implemented in a place could be adapted to be used in other country, taking always into consideration the importance to protect creativity.”

The course is delivered through UNITAR’s Virtual Learning Environment which is accessible 7 days a week and 24 hours a day from any personal computer with Internet connection. UNITAR’s proven e-Learning methodology helps participants meet the course’s learning objectives through a self-paced study routine supported by multimedia, optional and required readings, thematic online discussion, self-assessment quizzes, and a wealth of other information.

It is hoped that this course will enhance the ability of policy makers in developing countries including LDCs to design and implement suitable IP frameworks and policies with a view to progressing toward achieving international development objectives such as the UN Millennium Development Objectives (MDGs).

Further information about UNITAR’s e-Learning courses in the areas of Public Finance, Trade and Intellectual Property is available at:  http://www.unitar.org/pft/events

For additional information about the South Centre, please visit http://www.southcentre.org/