U.S. AMBASSADOR RITA HAYES
APPOINTED DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL
AT WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION

U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization and Deputy States Trade Representative Rita Derrick Hayes has been confirmed by the executive body of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to become Deputy Director General of the organization, effective November 30, 2001.

WIPO is the UN organization responsible for international coordination and enforcement of intellectual property rights. It administers 21 international agreements, including the most important treaties covering copyrights, trademarks, industrial property, and international cooperation in patent registrations.

WIPO Director General Kamil Idris characterized Ambassador Hayes as "having distinguished herself in international negotiations, showing the policy skills necessary for the advancement of goals for intellectual property."

Ambassador Hayes was nominated by the U.S. administration on May 3 and the Director General selected her on May 11. WIPO's executive body unanimously approved her appointment on May 31.