The Brunei Intellectual Property Office (BruIPO) and the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in intellectual property.
The MOU was signed on the sidelines of the 79th ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) Meeting, held in Singapore from August 24 to 28.
Signing on behalf of the Government of Brunei Darussalam was Attorney General Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah Haji Muhammed Taib, while CNIPA Commissioner Dr Shen Changyu signed for CNIPA.
The MOU provides a framework for cooperation covering patents, industrial designs, trademarks and geographical indications, including the exchange of information, knowledge, experience and best practices.
The Attorney General highlighted the importance of translating the agreement into practical cooperation, including technical exchanges, capacity-building and a proposed workshop on Geographical Indications in Brunei in 2027.
Commissioner Shen said the MOU marked a new chapter in cooperation between CNIPA and BruIPO and expressed CNIPA’s readiness to pursue closer collaboration through training, capacity-building and professional exchanges involving patent and trademark experts.
The signing also coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and China.
Both offices will continue discussions on implementing the MOU through suitable activities aimed at supporting intellectual property development and creating a more conducive environment for innovators and businesses in both countries.