France and US Collaborate on Patent IP

The French patent office has recently entered into a significant agreement with the United States regarding the sharing of patent information and the protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP). This five-year deal between the National Institute of Industrial Property of France (INPI) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) aims to enhance cooperation and collaboration in various aspects of IP management.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by INPI Director General Pascal Faure and Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property Kathi Vidal establishes a framework for ongoing partnership between the two IP offices. The agreement includes provisions for information exchanges, outreach activities to support local businesses, and the promotion of the existing Patent Prosecution Highway program.

Building on the momentum of this agreement, the UK and US have also recently reached a deal on essential patents. The UK has launched a resource hub specifically dedicated to Standard Essential Patents (SEPs), further emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the field of intellectual property rights.

USPTO Director Vidal expressed enthusiasm about the new agreement with INPI France, highlighting the strengthened relationship between the two offices. The MOU outlines plans for sharing information on emerging challenges in IP protection and enforcement, collaborating on training initiatives for local IP and business communities, and extending the Patent Prosecution Highway program for an additional five years.

Effective immediately upon signing, the agreement is set to run for five years, fostering continued collaboration and mutual support in safeguarding intellectual property rights. For those interested in learning more about international IP protection, the USPTO offers valuable resources on pursuing international IP protection on their website. Additionally, details about the USPTO-INPI France Patent Prosecution Highway pilot program can be found on the USPTO's official website.