H.E. Ambassador Dr Lansana GBERIE

Australia

13 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND INNOVATION: CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION AMONG IP OFFICES

318.   We also like to thank Japan for coordinating and introducing this communication. IP Australia works with other national IP offices and international organizations such us the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on various issues relating to the implementation of the IP system. Some of those cooperative efforts include:  memoranda of understanding;  comment and exchanges of patents' examiner;  hosting of study visits; and  other capacity building activities. 319.   We found a cooperation with other IP offices has many benefits, which includes:  sharing information and experiences on common issues;  improving examination practices;  enhancing the functioning of the international IP regime, particularly with regard to crossborder issues. 320.   Cooperative efforts that harmonise IP office practices and systems directly benefit users of the IP system, through simplifying the process of obtaining IP rights. Users also benefit when IP offices work together to raise awareness of the IP system. And in that regard I would like you to know that IP Australia and WIPO will soon be hosting a series of webinars targeting SME exporters and I will be happy to share the dates of those with any interested delegation. We look forward to further exchanges with Members on their experiences, and how we can all benefit from cross-border cooperation among IP offices. 321.   This will be my last intervention in this meeting Chair. I want to say thank to you for all your excellent and good work of this Council over the last year.

63. The Council took note of the statements made.

61. The Chair said this item had been put on the agenda at the request of the delegations of Australia; Canada; the European Union; Hong Kong, China; Japan; Singapore; Switzerland; the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; the United Kingdom and the United States of America. These delegations had also submitted a communication on this topic, circulated in document in order to allow Members to prepare for today's discussion.
62. The representatives of Japan; the United States of America; Singapore; Switzerland; Australia; Chinese Taipei; the United Kingdom; Canada; Hong Kong, China; the European Union; Korea, Republic of; Peru; India; Bangladesh; South Africa; Canada and the World Intellectual Property Organization took the floor.
63. The Council took note of the statements made.

IP/C/M/107, IP/C/M/107/Add.1