As of 2004, the World Customs Organization (WCO), Interpol and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) along with business associations have hosted a Global Congress for government officials and business representatives to advance solutions to the problem of counterfeiting and piracy.

The Congress has lacked multi-stakeholder participation, particularly from civil society. The Congress seeks to advance a global consensus on priority actions that reflect a one-sided agenda on strengthening enforcement of intellectual property rights. Though lacking official endorsement,the recommendations so far produced by  the Congress provide a narrow perspective on the enforcement of intellectual property rights that unduly shift the burden of private rights enforcement to government.

A more open and informed dialogue is necessary to promote fair, equitable and balanced solutions. As part of this agenda, the South Centre is hosting this parallel event to the Fourth Global Congress on Combatting Counterfeiting and Piracy to be held in Dubai on February 3 -5, 2008.

This side-event will explore these linkages by addressing the following questions:

• What are the obligations of developing countries on the enforcement of intellectual property rights? Should the international legal framework for the enforcement of intellectual property rights be strengthened?

• Should developing countries allocate more resources to improve the enforcement of intellectual property rights? Who should bear the costs?

• What is the accuracy and methodology for assessing intellectual property infringement in developing countries?

• To what extent should infringement of intellectual property rights be criminalized?

• How can developing countries prevent the potential abuse of enforcement measures by right holders?

• Do developing country law enforcement agencies and customs officials receive adequate training? How can these efforts be supported?