Mr Takashi Suzuki,
Commissioner,
Japan Patent Office,
Distinguished Guests,
Good Morning.
1. I am delighted to be here with you this morning for the signing of the statement of intent between the Japan Patent Office and IPOS for the Patent Prosecution Highway pilot programme.
2. The aim of the Patent Prosecution Highway or PPH is to accelerate the processing of patent application in one patent office where the other patent office has already conducted the search and examination. It is also an effort to reduce duplication of efforts at IP offices.
3. We are happy to embark on this partnership with the Japan Patent Office. With the accelerated patent application process, PPH applicants will be able to obtain quicker patent protection and begin commercialization of their IP earlier.
4. At the same time, I am glad to announce that the Heads of ASEAN Intellectual Property Offices have announced the launch of the first regional patent cooperation project. Besides Singapore, the project which is known as the ASEAN Patent Examination Co-operation (ASPEC) also drew participation from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam IP Offices.
5. With the launch of these programmes, we hope to provide a more effective and efficient environment for innovators to obtain their patents and allow them to exploit their innovations earlier.
6. Lastly, I would like to thank all of you for attending the ceremony today.