WIPO has launched a free database of decisions in IP cases. WIPO Lex-Judgments is part of the WIPO Lex database that also includes IP laws and treaties.

At launch, WIPO Lex-Judgments includes more than 400 documents from 10 countries: Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Republic of Korea and Spain.

At the launch of the database on 24 September, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry said: “WIPO Lex-Judgments will provide an important support for the adjudication of IP disputes in a globalized world where courts and policy makers, challenged by the dynamic nature of the IP discipline, can use the information gained from foreign judgments and judicial practice to inform their own search for domestic judicial and policy solutions.” (Mr Gurry retired as Director General on 30 September and will be succeeded by Daren Tang.)

The database also provides information on the judicial structures for IP disputes in participating member states, including generalist/specialist courts and administrative entities.

Judgments can be searched by country/region, subject matter, issuing authority, type of procedure, relevant legislation, relevant treaties, date and keywords.

WIPO Lex-Judgments is a response to the needs expressed by numerous members states, initially from the Latin America and Caribbean region and Spain, for a resource that improved availability of and access to information and data on judicial systems and decisions.

The decisions included have been selected as leading decisions due to their significant impact or precedential value.

The interface is available in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russia and Spanish. Full judgments are included in their original language.

For more information about WIPO Lex-Judgments, and details of how member states can contribute decisions, read WIPO’s announcement.