India, and the US have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Intellectual Property cooperation.
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade signed the MoU on December 2, 2020 with US Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce of the US.
- The Union Cabinet in its meeting on February 19, 2020 has given the approval for signing the MoU with USPTO in the field of IP Cooperation.
- The MoU aims at increasing IP co-operation between the two countries.
Benefits
- It will facilitate exchange and dissemination of best practices, experiences and knowledge on IP among the public, and between and among the industry, universities, research and development organizations, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.
- This will happen through their participation in programs and events that are singly or jointly organised by the participants.
- It is also expected to encourage collaboration in training programs, exchange of experts, technical exchanges and outreach activities.
- The MoU provides for the exchange of information and best practices on processes for registration and examination of applications for patents, trademarks, copyrights, geographical indications, and industrial designs, as well as the protection, enforcement and use of IP rights.
- It also provides for the exchange of information on the development and implementation of automation and modernisation projects, new documentation and information systems in IP and procedures for management of IP office services.
- It is also expected to foster their cooperation to understand various issues related to traditional knowledge and the exchange of best practices, including those related to traditional knowledge databases and awareness raising on the use of existing IP systems to protect traditional knowledge.
(Indian Express)
