STRENGTHENING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COOPERATION: INDIA AND DENMARK JOIN HANDS

In an attempt to further the objectives laid down under the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy 2016, India has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Denmark in the field of Intellectual Property (IP) Cooperation on September 26, 2020.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed the MoU with the Danish Patent and Trademark Office, Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Kingdom of Denmark. In pursuance of the best interests of the two nations in the field of intellectual property, the MoU aims to increase IP cooperation between the countries by way of exchange of best practices, experiences and knowledge on IP awareness among authorities. Under the provisions of the Mo, the party nations shall promulgate biennial plans to carry out detailed activities to increase co-operation between the nations and augment the scope of action in the realm of intellectual property.

A statement available on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark reads, “India and Denmark are working towards building a long-term technical partnership in the field of Intellectual Property Rights. Through this cooperation between the Danish Patent and Trademark Office and the Indian Patent Office, both countries are committed to sharing best practices and building mutual capacities in areas such as quality management systems, commercialisation of IP and awareness raising and outreach.”

With global IP cooperation emerging as the need to ensure best IP practices, the convergence between India and Denmark is a welcome step towards the aforesaid goal.