India & UK sign MoU on Intellectual Property Rights

India and UK signed an MoU to establish bilateral cooperation activities in the field of Intellectual Property. The MoU is between the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and the Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom (UKIPO). It is intended to promote innovation, creativity and economic growth in both countries. The MoU was exchanged in the presence of the Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and the British Prime Minister Ms. Theresa May on 7th November, 2016 in New Delhi.

It establishes a broad and flexible framework through which both countries can exchange best practices and work together on training programs and technical exchanges to raise awareness on IPRs and better protect intellectual property rights. The priority initiatives under the MoU include:

a) Exchange of best practices, experiences and knowledge on IP awareness among the public, businesses and educational institutions of both countries;

b) Collaboration in training programs, exchange of experts, technical exchanges and outreach activities;

c)Exchange and dissemination of best practices, experiences and knowledge on IP with the industry, universities, R & D organizations and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through participation in programs and events;

d)Exchange of information and best practices on processes for disposal of applications for patents, trademarks, industrial designs and Geographical Indications, as also the protection, enforcement and use of IP rights;

e) Cooperation in the development of automation and implementation of modernization projects, new documentation and information systems in IP and procedures for management of IP;

f) Cooperation to understand how Traditional Knowledge is protected; and the exchange of best practices, including traditional knowledge related databases and awareness raising of existing IP systems.

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

[PIB Release dated November 7, 2016]