IF ONLY

WIPO’s new administrative building and a conference hall is to built by Induni-Ferrovial (Induni here, Ferrovial here). IF’s contract remains subject to the condition that further negotiations with WIPO on financial and technical matters are successful. In September 2002, WIPO’s member states approved the building project, which has a budget of US$135 million. Construction work is expected to start in October/November 2003 and is estimated to last approximately 42 months. Once the building is completed (target date 2007) WIPO will be able to regroup its staff, which currently occupies office space in nine different buildings in Geneva, in a single building complex, just off the Place des Nations.



The IPKat says that’s just too much and wonders how much of the benefit of this expenditure will be felt by authors, inventors and business start-ups in the large number of developing states belonging to WIPO.



Other expensive buildings here, here, here, here and here

What can US$135 million buy? Find out here, here, here and here

How to earn $135 million: click here, here and here

How to lose $135 million: click here or here