USPTO and UKIPO Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Standard Essential Patents

USPTO and UKIPO Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Standard Essential Patents

On June 3, 2024, USPTO and UKIPO signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reaching a framework agreement on cooperation in relevant policies regarding standard essential patents (SEPs). It mainly includes the following aspects:

• Promote policy cooperation and information exchange on standard essential patents to ensure the development of a balanced standard patent ecosystem;
• Explore standards for implementing and promoting technology operations among SMEs in a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory manner;
• Improving the transparency of FRAND;
• Conducting various activities to raise public awareness of FRAND;
• Including other jurisdictions in the scope of USPTO and UKIPO activities to promote broader discussion;

This agreement is valid for 5 years from the date of signing.