Answer first: The 68th World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) General Assembly, held in Geneva under the presidency of Permanent Representative Carlos “King” Sorreta, was more than a routine gathering. Former Director General of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) recounts how the event serves as a…
Patents context for IP teams
The 68th World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) General Assembly concluded on 15 July 2026 in Geneva, presided over by Permanent Representative Carlos “King” Sorreta. While the General Assembly is often viewed as an annual convergence of intellectual property offices from WIPO’s 194 member states—where delegates deliver country statements, debate policy directions, approve budgets, and adopt resolutions—these formal proceedings represent only a portion of the event’s significance.
A former Director General of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) shared reflections on the Assembly’s deeper purpose, emphasizing that it is not merely about attending plenary sessions but about representing one’s country on the global stage, opening doors, and fostering relationships that yield long-term benefits for innovators, creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses.
Key takeaways for WIPO General Assembly 2026
- Confirm how the development affects patents ownership, enforcement, licensing, or portfolio records.
- Separate confirmed facts from legal interpretation before advising business teams.
- Map deadlines, affected assets, contracts, and evidence files to the responsible internal owner.
- Use the issue as a prompt for monitoring, filing strategy, dispute preparation, or member education.
Practical analysis
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the tradition, with no General Assemblies held in 2020 and 2021. The 2022 Assembly marked a significant return to in-person meetings, described as a reunion of friends and partners united by the mission to leverage intellectual property as a catalyst for economic and social development.
During that year’s Assembly, the Philippine delegation, led by the Director General and comprising a lean team including former Bureau of Patents Director Atty. Lolibeth Medrano, Bureau of Trademarks Director Atty. Jesus Antonio Ros, and former head of Policy Research, International Affairs Division Atty. Kat Rivera, resolved to maximize their presence. They committed not to merely occupy seats during plenary sessions but to actively engage, learn, and create opportunities for the Philippines.
Their efforts involved attending approximately 50 meetings beyond the official sessions. These included engagements with the WIPO Director General, deputy directors general, assistant directors general, and directors, as well as bilateral meetings with heads of intellectual property offices from every global region, leaders of international organizations, and an IP official from the World Trade Organization.
The schedule was relentless. Breakfast meetings seamlessly transitioned into plenary sessions, which were followed by bilateral discussions. Working lunches became platforms for cooperation talks, afternoons were filled with additional meetings, and evenings were dedicated to receptions, dinners, and networking events. Even Saturdays were occupied, with the WIPO Director General convening breakfast meetings with ASEAN IP office heads.
The demanding itinerary took a physical toll, with delegates often experiencing sore feet from traversing the expansive WIPO complex and nearby venues. Yet, the delegation’s spirit remained undiminished. As former IPOPHL Director and current Philippine Competition Commission Commissioner Beth Medrano humorously noted, the schedule was “pamatay” (killing), with no respite even during meals, but their strength and resolve prevailed.
The delegation’s approach was purposeful. Meetings were not about collecting photographs or exchanging business cards; each conversation aimed to forge partnerships. Every handshake represented potential collaboration. Each bilateral meeting was an opportunity to introduce new programs, technical assistance, training, and international cooperation to the Philippines.
Many initiatives later pursued by IPOPHL and enduring friendships with global counterparts originated from these Geneva discussions. The former Director General expressed that what is most missed is not the city of Geneva itself but the privilege of serving alongside a dedicated team united by passion and commitment. They celebrated successes, supported each other through long days, and remained focused on their mission.
Representing one’s country at the WIPO General Assembly is both an honor and a responsibility requiring preparation, perseverance, humility, and teamwork. Though the meetings conclude and physical exhaustion fades, the impact of the relationships and agreements forged endures, advancing intellectual property development and cooperation worldwide.
Related IIPLA reading
Inside the 68th WIPO General Assembly: Beyond Formal Sessions to Strategic Global IP Engagement The 68th World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) General Assembly, held in Geneva under the presidency of Permanent Representative Carlos “King” Sorreta, was more than a routine gathering. Former Director Genera... Read the full IIPLA blog post: https://iipla.org/blog/inside-the-68th-wipo-general-assembly-beyond-formal-sessions-to-strategic-global-ip-engagement