Whirling into action

This year’s AIPPI World Congress opened yesterday evening with rousing dance performances and speakers who celebrated the event’s “huge spectrum” of IP professionals from around the world.

Chair of AIPPI Congress Advisory Committee Esra Dündar-Loiseau welcomed the 2,000 members from 69 countries in Istanbul for four days of high-level debate, Resolution setting and networking.

“We will learn from each other, get updated about several hot IP topics, discuss enjoy, discover, advocate the groups’ positions, we will be part of new Resolutions–we will advance the progress of intellectual property worldwide,” said Dündar-Loiseau.

AIPPI President Shoichi Okuyama thanked the Turkish Members who were hosting the Association’s annual event.

Okuyama also thanked the sponsors and the dozens of representatives from IP organisations and offices, such as the European Patent Office, American Bar Association, and China National IP Administration.

Following Okuyama onto the stage, Muhammed Zeki Durak, the President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, TürkPatent, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for AIPPI choosing Istanbul.

Having only started in the role two weeks ago, Durak noted that this was his first engagement, drawing a round of applause from the audience.

“We are going to sustain the international IP framework and collaborate with international partners to create a more robust IP system,” promised Durak.

Following the TürkPatent President, Members were treated to a hypnotic performance by a troupe of Whirling Dervishes.

Twirling and spinning, dressed in white, wide skirts that pirouetted with them, and tall sikke (hats traditionally made of camel hair), the group mesmerised the audience with their hypnotic dance.

Habip Asan, the Director of the Division for Transition and Developed Countries at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) took the stage afterwards, sharing WIPO’s vision to evolve into a development agency, and sending best wishes for a good event from WIPO Director Daren Tang to the Association.

The combined value of global IP is more than the top five richest national economies, reaching $70 trillion, said Asan. This makes inclusivity even more important.

“You must move away from the idea that IP is only for industrialised nations, corporations and IP professionals. The IP system must become more inclusive and horizontal, engaging underserved communities such as women and youth,” said Asan.

“WIPO is transforming from a technical agency to a development agency, one that delivers practical results.

“If IP is vital for countries it should be accessible to all. Congratulations to AIPPI for holding this event in Istanbul a city that bridges cultures and histories,” he concluded.

Asan was followed by Anadolu Ateşi (Fire of Anatolia), an internationally famous dance and opera group who shook the hall with a thundering performance involving dozens of dancers, before the audience took to the exhibition hall to enjoy drinks and delicious Turkish food.