Mr. Grigory Ivliev, the President of the EAPO, took part in the Dialogue “The Climate-Housing Nexus” at the World Urban Forum in Baku (WUF13), which focused on contemporary approaches to urban development.

“As a representative of the patent system, I am firmly convinced that there is only one way to address global challenges: to implement innovative solutions and encourage inventors. Many people perceive patents as barriers, but this is not the case. Exclusive rights are granted only on the condition that information about the invention is disclosed,” he noted.

Mr. Ivliev emphasized that patent databases serve as a valuable source of practical knowledge for engineers, architects, construction professionals and developers, enabling them to study existing technologies and build upon them to address modern challenges.

He also noted that the patent system can make a significant contribution not only to the Sustainable Development Goals related to urban development, but also to other global objectives. As examples, he highlighted Eurasian patents covering technologies aimed at improving the safety, sustainability and efficiency of urban infrastructure.

The EAPO President also moderated the EAPO session “Urban Development and Technologies: Smart Cities and Intellectual Property,” where participants discussed key trends and challenges at the intersection of urban technological development and intellectual property protection. New technologies are increasingly shaping the cities of the future, while the patent system helps developers not only to protect their innovations, but also to gain incentives for further technological advancement.

The session featured Ms. Gulchohra Mammadova, Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction; Ms. Gulnara Rustamova, Adviser to the Chair of the Board of the Intellectual Property Agency of Azerbaijan; Ms. Veronika Smirnova, Head of the Department of Innovation Management and IP Commercialization at the Russian State Academy of Intellectual Property; as well as representatives of both large and small businesses.

Today’s cities are increasingly shaped by the convergence of technology, sustainable development and intellectual property — and it is precisely at this intersection that an effective patent system becomes a key mechanism for supporting and disseminating innovation. Mr. Emil Mammadov, Advisor to the President of EAPO, presented specific examples of Eurasian patents in this field.