Hong Kong Signs MoU with WIPO on Judicial Decisions Database

On September 1, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) concerning the "WIPO Lex-Judgments" database. The initiative aims to enhance information sharing and foster a closer, more knowledge-rich global intellectual property (IP) community.

The database provides free and open access to important IP-related judicial decisions worldwide. Under the MoU, Hong Kong will contribute landmark IP-related judgments from its judiciary, enabling the global IP community to access these decisions while showcasing the quality of Hong Kong's IP jurisprudence.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, HKSAR Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted the significance of Hong Kong's participation. He noted that under the "one country, two systems" framework, Hong Kong is the only jurisdiction in China practicing common law in both Chinese and English. The city enjoys strong international recognition for IP protection and serves as a key venue for resolving IP disputes involving parties from Mainland China and overseas. Hong Kong's court rulings provide valuable references for the global legal community.

Chan added that strengthened cooperation with WIPO will not only enhance Hong Kong's role in the exchange of international judicial precedents, but also consolidate its position as a regional hub for IP trading and legal services. By increasing the transparency of Hong Kong's IP system worldwide, the move is expected to bolster the confidence of international businesses and IP holders in investing and innovating in Hong Kong.

Chief Judge of the High Court, Jeremy Poon, also addressed the ceremony. He stressed that under the MoU, representative IP judgments from Hong Kong courts will be accessible through the database. He reaffirmed Hong Kong's commitment to facilitating easier access to IP rulings, improving global understanding of judicial approaches to emerging legal issues, and promoting international cooperation in the field of intellectual property.