New Delhi: The government on Wednesday approved the signing of an agreement with Japan to increase cooperation in the field of industrial property (IP).
The decision regarding this was taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed between the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO).
"The purpose of MoC is to establish a framework for bilateral cooperation in the field of IP, with emphasis on capacity building, human resource development and awareness generation," an official statement said.
The pact also aims at increasing efforts to support innovation in both the countries.
To be renewed automatically every four years, the MoC will be implemented through biennial Action Plans. The first plan is ready for implementation.
Areas on which both the sides will work include information sharing on IP protection systems and practices; and cooperation in the area of examination, including utilisation of the examiner-exchange programme.
They will also enhance cooperation in the scheme of the Patent Cooperation Treaty; assistance in developing IP infrastructure; capacity building in the use of IT infrastructure; and awareness building for the general public.
The key feature of the pact will be building awareness among the general public about the most important property rights for the 21st century.
To this end, the JPO will impart training at its own cost to individuals, people in educational institutions, lawyers, corporate employees and judges, besides examiners and other IPO officials.
The exchange of best practices between the two countries is expected to improve protection and awareness about India?s range of intellectual creations which are as diverse as its people, including patents, trademarks, designs and geographical indications.
