Abrupt Departure Of South Centre IP Expert Raises Questions

By William New
A key member of the international intellectual property community has been asked to leave his position without warning, prompting questions about the terms of his departure, according to sources.

Sisule Musungu, a recognised IP expert who has bolstered the IP programme at the intergovernmental South Centre, was asked to leave on 15 February. Musungu, programme coordinator for the centre’s Innovation and Access to Knowledge Programme has served at the South Centre for five years. Musungu led the development of the Innovation and Access to Knowledge Programme, which was launched in March 2006 (IPW, Developing Country Policy, 20 April 2006). He has been a key contributor to Geneva IP policy debates for years, according to sources.

The details of his departure are not yet known but pertain to a disagreement with the executive director of the South Centre, Yash Tandon. Musungu is planning to challenge the decision, sources said.

William New may be reached at wnew@ip-watch.ch.