March 01, 2011
CONTACT: Peter Pappas or Jennifer Rankin Byrne
(571) 272-8400 or
Press Release, 11-16
USPTO to Host Asia-Pacific Patent Cooperation Forum
Forum will focus on the future of patent harmonization
Washington – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and its Global Intellectual Property Academy (GIPA) will host the Asia-Pacific Patent Cooperation in the 21st Century Forum March 6-8, bringing together intellectual property office representatives from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the future of patent law harmonization. The event will be held at the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Va.
The aim of patent law harmonization is to narrow differences among patent laws, to simplify applicants’ requirements, and thereby achieve greater efficiency in the global patent system.
“This forum is being convened at an historic moment for intellectual property systems worldwide,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO David Kappos. “With patent filings and backlogs ever increasing, harmonization is critical,” Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO David Kappos commented. “Differences among patent systems worldwide cause legal uncertainty, complexity and increased costs.”
The forum will feature remarks by Gary Locke, United States Secretary of Commerce, Kappos, and heads and deputies of Asian-Pacific economies’ patent offices.
Members of the public may attend the forum’s opening session at the USPTO Headquarters auditorium. Limited seating is available on a first come, first served basis. To register, contact Sean Wilkerson at 571.272.5565 or sean.wilkerson@uspto.gov
Stay current with the USPTO by subscribing to regular e-mail updates. Visit the USPTO Subscription Center at www.uspto.gov/subscribe.
# # #
