The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has launched a new tool that provides an opportunity to keep abreast of and track intellectual property measures taken by the Member States in relation to COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 IP Policy Tracker is an information repository that will help all stakeholders navigate changes implemented by the worldwide IP community as it adjusts to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said WIPO Director General Francis Gurry.

“With our mandate to lead the development of a balanced and effective international IP system, it is natural for WIPO to take the lead in making available such a tool that promotes the widest-possible comprehension of important IP policy and other measures as they arise,” added WIPO Director General Francis Gurry.

Many national and regional IP offices are implementing measures to assist applicants and owners of IP rights, for example by providing extensions of time or grace periods for fee payments.

In addition, a number of member states have or are considering special measures such as compulsory licenses, should potentially relevant products and technologies be identified. Many in the private sector are implementing voluntary measures to assist and a multitude of technology and projects are ongoing.

The new tool launched by WIPO will be updated regularly. Anyone interested can freely access it at the following address: https://www.wipo.int/covid19-policy-tracker/#/covid19-policy-tracker/ipo-operations,