Resolution No.5 (1999): WIPO and free access to databases

IAGA, noting that legislative measures have been taken or presently are in preparation by its member countries to implement a sui generis right for the legal protection of databases, or to pass equivalent laws, and noting that the World Intellectual Property Organisation is attempting to put forward an international treaty to protect the owners or the creators of databases, and recognising the vital importance of securing free access to databases for the progress of scientific research and for the promotion of education in science, urges National Committees to take the initiative in their respective countries to ensure free access to databases created for or by scientific activities and to advise, if necessary, appropriate authorities to take legislative action to ensure free access policies for scientific databases.