On 19th November, 2019, during the Japan Patent Office’s visit in Latvia, the representatives of the Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia met with the Japan Patent Office delegation and discussed the current events in the industrial property sphere, as well as possible future cooperation.
The delegation consisted of the following representatives from the Japan Patent Office (JPO): Mr Kunihiko Shimano, Deputy Commissioner, Mr Masashi Nemoto, Director of International Cooperation Division and Mr Yoshitaka Ota, Deputy Director of International Cooperation Division. Mr Yoshiaki Kodachi, Senior Director for Intellectual Property of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Office in Düsseldorf and Mr Toshiyuki Suzuki, Deputy Head of the Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Latvia also participated in the meeting and shared their insights about cooperation between the Republic of Latvia and Japan.
Cooperation with the JPO started in 1997, when the representatives of the Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia participated in a training event organized by the JPO. The training was aimed to share the best practices in the organization of an intellectual property office’s work and train the participants in examination procedures.
During the visit, the current events in the field of industrial property rights were discussed, for example, the JPO’s collaboration with the universities in matters relating to innovation and the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI). The delegation of the JPO informed that on 20th November, 2019, the JPO is hosting an international symposium on patent examination practices on AI-related inventions. The event is aimed to emphasize the growing importance of AI in the sphere of industrial property rights.
The representatives of the Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia shared the most recent developments in the area of industrial property protection by discussing the implementation of information technology projects and future initiatives, mentioning the upgrade of trade mark and design information system in compliance with the EUTM Directive, as well as the patent administration system, which currently is in the acceptance testing stage. In addition, the Patent Office mentioned awareness-raising activities that have been expanded by the Office, involving entrepreneurs, researchers, scholars, representatives of creative industries and technology transfer centres, as well among youth.
In addition, the latest events in the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) were discussed, for example, the progress achieved in various matters during the last WIPO General Assembly meeting and the upcoming WIPO Director General elections, among many others.
In conclusion, the parties agreed to continue and improve the current cooperation in the sphere of industrial property rights and implement cooperation activities that could be beneficial for both Offices in the future.
Prepared by:
Dagne Striķe
Project manager
Tālr.: 67220038
E-pasts: dagne.strike@lrpv.gov.lv