International Cooperation

[Japan Patent Office] [Monday, Dec 22, 2014]

The JPO recently conducted another of its IPR Training Courses, this time conducting a training program called the Training Course on the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights under the WIPO Funds-in-Trust /JAPAN. The course was conducted by the JPO from Monday, December 1st to Friday, December 12th, in cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) through the WIPO Funds-in-Trust/Japan, a trust fund set up through voluntary contributions made by the government of Japan. It was a new, advanced training program specifically designed for judges and prosecutors who are in charge of intellectual property cases, in order to enhance their law-enforcement capabilities in the field of intellectual property.

For the course, the JPO invited a variety of experts as lecturers, including officials of Japan’s enforcement agencies such as the National Police Agency (NPA) and the Custom Authorities, judges at the Intellectual Property High Court (IPHC), officials of the WIPO, a university professor from South Africa, and a chief judge for the Regional Trial Court of the Philippines. In the course, they delivered lectures on topics such as disposal and destruction of infringing goods, the cooperation of the right holders in IP enforcement, ways to respond to intellectual property rights infringements, negative impacts caused by infringements, and the importance of protecting intellectual property.

The 24 trainees, who were invited from countries in Asia and Africa and attended the course that lasted for two weeks, enhanced their specialized enforcement capabilities. In addition, they deepened their mutual friendships. In the course, they also developed good relationships with persons in Japan involved in intellectual property. The JPO looks forward to the trainee’s playing even greater and active roles in the field of intellectual property after they return to their countries.

Trainees of the JPO/IPR Training Course for FY2014 Trainees of the JPO/IPR Training Course for FY2014 Trainees of the JPO/IPR Training Course for FY2014

[Japan International Cooperation Agency] [Monday, Dec 22, 2014]

JICA sent the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team member to Bangladesh to help cope with damage from an oil-spill disaster after an oil tanker collided with another vessel in Shela River in Sundarbans.

The tanker sank after the collision on Dec. 9, causing an extensive oil spill in the designated natural reserve. There is growing concern over its impact on the environment including river water quality and animals and plants in the river basin, as well as possible health problems of residents in the neighboring area.

To respond to the accident, the Government of Bangladesh asked the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair (OCHA) to send a UNDAC team.

Following a request from OCHA, JICA dispatched a staff member from the Secretariat of Japan Disaster Relief to work as part of the UNDAC team.

The registered UNDAC team member needs to be recognized by OCHA as an expert in disasters. The dispatched UNDAC team will work together with the Government of Bangladesh and international organizations to collect required information, evaluate the damage situation, as well as assist with communications and coordination.