International perspectives: Intellectual property, small and medium-sized enterprises, and global markets

Join the leaders of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Patent Office (EPO), and the Japan Patent Office (JPO) for both an in-person and virtual discussion about the importance of intellectual property (IP) and of making the patent system more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This event allowed leaders of the three IP offices and leaders of the innovation community to hear from each other. The leaders of the three IP offices will describe their efforts to ensure greater access to the patent system. In addition, innovators from various communities—including representatives from local businesses, SMEs, universities, and the investor community—will share their particular IP-related concerns.

Speakers included:

• Ms. Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director, United States Patent and Trademark Office
• Mr. António Campinos, President, European Patent Office
• Mr. Koichi Hamano, Commissioner, Japan Patent Office

This meeting was organized by the three IP offices in collaboration with the Center for Innovation Policy at Duke Law. It will be held as part of the 40th conference of the Trilateral Cooperation, a forum established in 1983 to explore ways to streamline and harmonize patent examination practices and procedures for the benefit of the global innovation community.

A recording of the event is available here.

Additional information

Early registration for in-person attendance is encouraged, as space will be limited. Detailed instructions on accessing the livestream will be sent to all registrants prior to the event. The event will be recorded for post-event viewing.

For more information, visit the registration page or contact Hollis Robinson in the USPTO’s Office of Policy and International Affairs.