India and the US have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to increase cooperation in the field of intellectual property (IP) by facilitating exchange and dissemination of best practices, collaboration in training programmes and outreach activities, according to an official statement.
The statement said that the two countries will draw a biennial work plan for implementing the MoU that will include detailed planning for carrying out co-operation activities, including the scope of action.
The MoU, signed virtually by Guruprasad Mohapatra, Secretary, DPIIT and Andrei Iancu, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director, USPTO, aims at increasing IP co-operation between the two countries by facilitating exchange and dissemination of best practices; collaboration in training programmes, exchange of experts; 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.
On February 19, 2020, the Union Cabinet had approved signing of the MoU between the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Both sides would also exchange 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, the statement added.
It also said, “The MoU will go a long way in fostering the cooperation between India and the US, and provide opportunities to both countries to learn from the experience of each other, especially in terms of best practices followed in the other country. It will be a landmark step forward in India’s journey towards becoming a major player in global innovation and will further the objectives of National IPR Policy, 2016.”
