WIPO convened a conference in Geneva to discuss the development of the international patent system. This followed the request for comments on the Patent Agenda set forth by WIPO and the discussions at the conference and submissions in response to the Agenda will be taken into account in considering further proposals to be made by WIPO. FICPI was invited to provide speakers for three (3) topics, the only organisation to make multiple presentations, and in the President's absence, was represented by Ivan Ahlert and John Orange.

Participants included government officials, academics, and user groups drawn not only from the traditional ranks of the profession but also those concerned with environmental and public health issues.

The conference was organised in parallel sessions making it difficult to produce a summary report. The complete papers of the speakers are available at:

http://patentagenda.wipo.int/meetings/2002/program/index.html.

Ivan and John have also produced report - too long to be included in this newsletter - highlighting the speakers and topics. A copy thereof may be downloaded: Report - MSWord