The Nordic PCT authorities sign a Memorandum of Understanding on further cooperation
The leaders of the Nordic patent offices at the signing meeting in Munich on 22 March 2023. From left Kathrine Myhre, Norway, Peter Strömbäck, Sweden, Borghildur Erlingsdottir, Iceland, Antti Riivari, Finland and Sune Stampe Sørensen, Denmark. Photo: Nordic Patent Institute.
Nordic Patent Institute (NPI), an intergovernmental organisation established by the governments of Denmark, Iceland, and Norway, The Swedish Intellectual Property Office (PRV) and The Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the field of patent search and examination.
The MoU aims to establish formal mechanisms for exchanging ideas and best practices on patent search and examination for the parties in their capacity as International Searching and Examining Authorities under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). It also aims to improve collaboration on Quality Assurance such as on the evaluation of EPO harmonization activities, as well as to align the Parties' interests and concerns regarding the European Patent Organisation/EPO and in other international forums.
The MoU, which was signed in Munich, March 22, 2023, by the Director Generals of all the Nordic patent offices, with Denmark, Norway and Iceland representing NPI, outlines the importance of maintaining competent national patent offices for innovation in the Nordic area, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Borghildur Erlingsdóttir, Chair of the Board of NPI: “We are extremely pleased to sign this Memorandum and to further strengthen our already excellent cooperation with PRV and PRH. We believe that the enhanced cooperation will help us to provide better services to Nordic patent applicants and to promote innovation in the Nordic area.”
The Parties are committed to upholding the objectives and principles outlined in the Memorandum, confident that increased Nordic collaboration will strengthen the patent system in the region and contribute to driving further innovation.