Gov’t, WIPO ink deal on IP judgments database

It will submit IP rulings from its courts to the database.

Hong Kong has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) on cooperation with regard to the WIPO Lex-Judgments database.

The WIPO Lex-Judgments database provides free, open access to judicial decisions relating to intellectual property (IP) from around the world.

Under the MoU, Hong Kong will contribute IP judgments from the city’s judiciary to the database, facilitating access to such judgments by the international IP community whilst showcasing Hong Kong's IP-related judicial judgments.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, WIPO Deputy Director General Wang Binying, and Chief Judge of the High Court Jeremy Poon attended the signing, carried out by Director of Intellectual Property David Wong and WIPO Assistant Director General Marco Alemán.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chan said Hong Kong’s participation in the database carries special significance.

“Under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework, Hong Kong is the only territory in China practising common law and in both Chinese and English,” said Chan. “Its protection of IP is widely recognised.”

He added that closer cooperation with WIPO is intended to support Hong Kong’s role in global legal exchanges and the IP industry.

In addition, Chan reiterated that Hong Kong remains firmly committed to playing an active role in international IP cooperation and contributing to China's vision of becoming a global IP powerhouse by 2035.