WIPO MOU

Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Intellectual Property

Whereas, Representatives of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Recognizing the critical role intellectual property plays in promoting economic development, industrial expansion and technological progress in the world,

Desiring to establish and maintain cooperation in intellectual property relations between AIPLA and WIPO,

Understanding that close cooperation between AIPLA and WIPO is essential in solving common problems and protecting the rights of inventors, authors and businesses in both the Member States of WIPO and the United States of America, especially problems relating to the administration of industrial property and copyright laws,

Have therefore reached the following general understanding on cooperation in the fields of patents, trademarks, copyright, and other fields of intellectual property:

1. Discussions between the two entities concerning matters of mutual interest will continue at times and places to be mutually agreed upon.
2. Each entity will receive from the other reasonable numbers of specialists at times and for periods to be specified later by mutual agreement, for participation in discussions of interest to either or both parties.
3. Each entity will expend its best efforts to educate the public it serves about the opportunities the other entity offers for obtaining and protecting intellectual property.
4. AIPLA will provide current information to WIPO on the long-range plan of AIPLA related to its proposals to strengthen the protection of intellectual property in the United States of America as well as internationally.
5. The entities will, on a continuing basis, exchange information about their programs affecting the protection of intellectual property laws and systems.
6. AIPLA will provide WIPO, on a continuing basis, copies of its Bulletin, Quarterly Law Journal, and print and electronic media concerning its educational programs.
7. WIPO will provide to AIPLA, on a continuing basis, copies of its publications, treaties, statistical reports and other relevant information regarding intellectual property.
8. The Director General of WIPO will, within the framework of WIPO's General Rules of Procedure, exercise his discretion to invite AIPLA to send observer delegations to any WIPO meetings which non-governmental organizations are permitted to attend.

Signed by AIPLA President and WIPO Director General in Geneva, Switzerland, September 11, 2002.