327. The United Kingdom would also like to thank Japan for drafting the interesting and informative paper on Cross-Border IP Cooperation among IP Offices. The UK IPO greatly values working in close cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization, European Patent Office and national IP offices across the world. Innovation is a key driver of economic growth, which facilitates progress and trade across the world.
328. In our view, it is crucial that we work effectively with our global partners in areas of common interest, and to create a positive framework to share and expand expertise and knowledge. We see our collective role as supporting innovators around the globe through enhancing understanding and cooperation between Members as well as the sharing of advice and know-how about the role of IP in different cultures.
329. Therefore, the UK regularly engages in activities to foster direct cooperation, share best practice and to facilitate learning from one another. We already heard about some of the UK-Swiss collaborations in addition notably we have productive co-operation activity on trademark practices across Asia. Most recently holding a successful expert-level exchange with colleagues in China. We are also very proud of our partnership with the Brazilian IP office, where our comprehensive collaboration on developing an IP office for the 21st Century has delivered significant improvements to the quality and waiting times of rights granting services for both domestic and overseas applicants.
330. The UK also recognises that the value of international IP co-operation extends beyond the registration of IP rights. The global community of innovators and creators will also benefit from concerted efforts to build the IP knowledge and skills to fully maximise the opportunities that IP can bring to society. As such, we have helped to set-up and taken part in sessions on IP awareness, such as conferences and seminars, as well as sharing information around developments in relevant laws, policies, and regulations. For example, the UK IPO and Indian IP office enjoy a longstanding relationship underpinned by a joint workplan which underlines the commitment by both partners to enhance the impact of IP protection across our economies.
331. As TRIPS Council Members, we have an opportunity to further our existing cooperation to ensure we can address the challenges that rapid changes in technology, society and the global economy herald. One of those changes has been the rapid growth of e-commerce over the past 5 years, which itself presents both risks and opportunities for rightsholders. Infringing content and counterfeit goods know no borders. Sharing best practice, for example, in anti-counterfeiting activities and provisions is essential to tackle IP infringement online. An example of which is a recent workshop, held in summer last year, on online and offline enforcement best practices for IP enforcement agencies in Viet Nam.
332. By such efforts, we are continuing to improve the capacity and effectiveness of IP enforcement; and laying the foundations to build a comprehensive co-operation programme to prevent and combat infringement of IP rights. The UK continues its commitment to engage with other IP offices more actively. Through this we will continue to build a stronger IP landscape, to benefit and promote innovation, both at home and abroad.
