In an interview with the INTA Daily News conducted last month, before the General Meeting, Gurry said he hoped to make WIPO’s services — such as the Madrid Protocol and Hague Agreement “truly global” in his second term. He also said that there is room to improve the quality of service in certain areas, including both those systems and the Arbitration and Mediation Service.
“We have a major drive on to improve quality of services in the Madrid System — it’s about responsiveness, making sure customers can find someone who can attend to their needs quickly and painlessly, and responding to their queries and needs in a rapid manner, and not leaving the impression they are dealing with a faceless bureaucracy,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of keeping costs down, so that the systems are accessible to SMEs and start-ups. “We have not raised fees in the whole of my first term, not even inflation adjustment,” said Gurry.
Gurry cannot attend INTA this week himself due to a prior commitment, but congratulated the Association on holding its first meeting in Asia: “It demonstrates the international nature of INTA and recognizes where markets are developing most rapidly.” He added that Hong Kong is “a wonderful meeting place.”
WIPO has a stand in the Exhibit Hall and will host the annual Madrid System Users Meeting tomorrow, at which Deputy Director General Binying Wang will be present. “The MSUM has been invaluable for us in inspiring reform effort,” said Gurry.
