History of the Global Intellectual Property Academy:
In 1985, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) began a Visiting Scholar Program, through which foreign government officials dedicated to the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) could attend lectures on the numerous related topics related to patents, trademarks, copyrights and IPR enforcement. The program was created to help countries around the world improve their intellectual property (IP) programs and services by training with experts in the United States. The purpose of the American Inventors Protection Act of 1999 (AIPA) (Pub. L. 106-113) created the foundation for USPTO to become a guiding force in both national and international IP policy issues. The AIPA enabled the USPTO to advise the President, through the Secretary of Commerce and all Federal agencies on policy matters, including IP protection in other countries. This act also authorizes the USPTO to offer guidance, conduct programs and studies, and to coordinate with foreign IP offices and international organizations on issues concerning IP protection. The Office of International Property Policy Enforcement fulfills the various responsibilities created by the AIPA including training foreign IP officials on IP administration and enforcement.
In 2006, the USPTO established the Global Intellectual Property Academy (“GIPA” or “Academy”). The Academy offers programs on enforcement, patents, trademarks, copyrights. In 2007, USPTO completed construction of a permanent space for GIPA at the Alexandria, Virginia location. The Academy’s programs are designed to meet specific needs to foreign government officials. Through the programs officials are learning and discussing strategies on global intellectual property protection and enforcement.
In 2008, the Academy provided training to more than 4,100 officials from 127 countries on a variety of topics, including IP protection and enforcement, and technology transfer. The Academy also delivers IP training to other stakeholders, including small business owners, U.S. Government officials, and the general public.
The Academy at USPTO is instrumental in achieving the objectives of halting intellectual property theft and advancing IPR policies.