MOU ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SIGNED

The Intellectual Property Department today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to strengthen co-operation in the field of intellectual property (IP).

The agreement aims to establish a framework to facilitate co-operation between Hong Kong and the Philippines on IP awareness, creation, protection, utilisation, management, trading and commercialisation, the department explained.

Under the MOU, Hong Kong and the Philippines will pursue further co-operation by exchanging information and sharing experience, fostering high-level dialogues on policy developments, strengthening co-operation in IP training, sharing best practices in providing quality and efficient services to stakeholders, as well as promoting co-operation among the two places and the relevant IP practitioners, industries, institutions and organisations.

Director of Intellectual Property David Wong and IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba signed the MOU on the sidelines of the Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum held in Hong Kong.

Mr Wong said that the National 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong's development into a regional IP trading centre, adding that both Hong Kong and the Philippines recognise the value of IP rights in driving economic growth.

Apart from pointing out that the MOU marks an important milestone in the co-operation between the IP offices of the two economies in promoting IP protection and commercialisation in the region, he stressed that the department will continue its engagement with IP offices and authorities outside Hong Kong.

Organised by the Government and the Trade Development Council, the forum held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai yesterday and today attracted participants including senior officials from the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and IP offices of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

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