Heads of UKIPO, EPO and USPTO discuss global patent system with users at patents showcase event in London
Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Andrei Iancu, the UK Intellectual Property Office Chief Executive Tim Moss and EPO President António Campinos
The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) Chief Executive Tim Moss hosted Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Andrei Iancu and European Patent Office President António Campinos at a patent showcase event in London on 13 September.
Topics discussed included their visions for the future of the global patent system, the transformation taking place within IP offices, and the cooperation between them. They also shared thoughts on how these developments will benefit users of the global patent system.
The Heads of Offices met a selection of the UK’s top IP professionals, and groups representing the biggest users of the UK patent system.
President Campinos provided an update on the EPO’s recently published Strategic Plan 2023, its five strategic goals and how it will ultimately form a new framework for cooperation among all stakeholders in the IP system.
“A key objective of our work is to build a prosperous future for innovation and a strong patent network,” said the EPO President. “Our organisations need to be agile and adaptable to new conditions and the changing needs of our users. Businesses today often file multiple intellectual property rights in combination, and in different offices around the world. By aligning our tools, sharing results and promoting the creation of international standards we can help innovators secure the solid intellectual property rights which they need to rely on in a knowledge-based economy.”
Director Iancu spoke about the USPTO’s work on Artificial Intelligence and how they are approaching the issues it presents for them.
He said: “Today, AI is driving more powerful technologies than ever before. In recognition of these fast-paced developments, the United States is working with agencies such as the EPO and UK IPO, stakeholders, and innovators around the world to identify long-term, comprehensive strategies that promote and provide leadership for the technological advances of the future.”
Tim Moss spoke about the importance of the collective influence of big IP offices and how they drive reforms, ensure digitised and customer-led services and the wider importance of having a general understanding of IP.
He said: “We are seeing a global increase in patent applications. This reflects their importance to business, and the importance of innovation to the global economy. By working together with the EPO and the USPTO, we want to maximise our combined influence to reform the international IP system to ultimately provide world class digital services for all our customers.
“We believe that everyone should have an understanding of IP. Young people leaving education should know about the exciting career opportunities in IP. Researchers and universities should understand how to secure the greatest benefits from their research. All businesses need to be confident to make informed decisions about using their IP as asset.”
The patent showcase event followed a meeting earlier in the day between EPO President António Campinos and UK IPO Chief Executive Tim Moss in which they discussed matters related to bilateral co-operation. In his visit to the UK, the EPO President also met with representatives of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and the IP Federation Council, besides addressing a meeting of the UK Group of the Union of European Practitioners in IP (Union IP).