September 21, 2010
CONTACT: Peter Pappas or Jennifer Rankin Byrne
(571) 272-8400 or peter.pappas1@uspto.gov;
jennifer.rankin_byrne@uspto.gov;
Press Release, 10-42
USPTO and DPMA Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation
Enhanced cooperation to further improve patent and trademark systems
Geneva - Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) David Kappos and the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) President Cornelia Rudloff-Schäffer on September 21, 2010, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on comprehensive bilateral cooperation on patents and trademarks during a bilateral meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. The new MOU focuses on enhancing the bilateral PPH arrangement between the offices by exploring the use of DPMA’s search reports and developing a joint Trademark workshop.
The MOU establishes a general framework for bilateral cooperation between the USPTO and the DPMA with an aim toward improving the administration and effectiveness of the intellectual property systems through the exchange of information as well as the development of best practices and cooperative activities.
"This memorandum reflects the strong commitment between our two offices,” said Under Secretary Kappos. “We have been very close partners and this new agreement further advances cooperation to improve our patent and trademark systems.”
The two offices will immediately begin planning the implementation of these cooperative activities under the MOU.
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