Geneva/Singapore, 23 September 2008 – The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on bilateral co-operation today. The signing ceremony, which took place at the 45th World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) General Assembly in Geneva, marks the start of enhanced cooperation between the two Offices.
The MOU establishes a formalised framework to promote greater co-operation and information sharing between IPOS and IGE. It creates a platform to foster greater interaction between the IP Offices and opens up more opportunities for organising joint projects in areas of mutual interest. The MOU signing also strengthens the bilateral relations between Singapore and Switzerland and adds another important dimension in the already multi-faceted relationship between the two countries.
“We are very happy to partner IGE to share knowledge and increase the awareness of IP. We would like to explore further collaborative opportunities with our Swiss partner, particularly in IP capability development, IP awareness as well as IP searches and information services.” said Ms Liew Woon Yin, Director-General of IPOS.
“This will strengthen ties between both our IP offices to further facilitate and enhance collaborative efforts, particularly in the sharing of knowledge and experiences, as well as joint activities at the national and international level.”, said Mr Felix Addor, Deputy Director General of the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual
For media enquiries, please contact:
Tan Mei Jue (Ms)
Public Relations Department
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
DID: +65 6331 6581
Fax: +65 6331 6562
Email: tan_mei_jue@ipos.gov.sg
Website: www.ipos.gov.sg
Ingo Meitinger
Head Training & International Cooperation
Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property
DID: +41 31 377 72 37
Fax: +41 31 377 79 08
Email: ingo.meitinger@ipi.ch
Website: http://www.ige.ch/defaulte.htm
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), a statutory board under the Ministry of Law since April 2001, is the lead government agency that advises on and administers intellectual property (IP) laws, promotes IP awareness and provides the infrastructure to facilitate the development of IP in Singapore. With IP fast becoming a critical resource in today’s new economy, IPOS’s vision is to foster a creative Singapore where ideas and intellectual efforts are valued, developed and exploited. More information on IPOS can be found on www.ipos.gov.sg.
The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property is the federal agency for all matters concerning intellectual property in Switzerland. It examines the national filing applications, grants industrial property rights, and administers them. Furthermore, the Institute is responsible for drafting legislation in all areas of IP and represents Switzerland at the international level, including international cooperation. Finally, the Institute to offers services in the area of trademark search and patent information.