The GOI has approved the signing of an agreement with Japan to increase cooperation in the field of intellectual property (IP). The decision regarding this was taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed between the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO).

The main objective of the pact is to increase efforts to support innovation in both the countries.
To be renewed automatically every four years, the MoC will be implemented through biennial Action Plans.  The key feature of the pact will be building awareness among the general public about the most important property rights for the 21st century.

The pact will enhance cooperation in the scheme of the Patent Cooperation Treaty; assistance in developing IP infrastructure; capacity building in the use of IT infrastructure; and awareness building for the general public.

Tidbits

• The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is one of the 17 specialized agencies of the United Nations.
• WIPO was created in 1967 to encourage creative activity, to promote the protection of intellectual property throughout the world.
• WIPO currently has 188 member states, administers 26 international treaties, and is headquartered in Geneva,Switzerland.

GK Question

• Who is the Director General of WIPO? Francis Gurry