USPTO Intellectual Property Rights Workshop Opens in Muscat

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in tandem with the U.S. Embassy in Muscat, opened an intellectual property rights workshop today for government officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of Public Prosecution, and Royal Oman Police.  The workshop, part of the joint U.S.-Oman commitment to strengthening intellectual property rights protection in advance of the implementation of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement, runs through February 4. 

Alfred F. Fonteneau, the Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission, welcomed workshop participants and highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property rights.  "Countries that enforce intellectual property rights are better able engage in international trade, encourage technological development, facilitate economic growth through new business formation, and improve public health and safety," he said, adding "Studies in countries around the world have confirmed that stronger intellectual property regimes increase foreign direct investment, licensing, and technology transfers." 

This workshop will enable participants to learn from and interact with U.S. enforcement officials, as well as private sector representatives based in the region.  The program includes feature presentations, panel discussions, and case studies on the various types of intellectual property.  The workshop will address: the importance of intellectual property rights enforcement to economic growth and the safety of public health; the techniques used to investigate and prosecute intellectual property rights crimes; and effective practices in combating broadcast signal and cable piracy, optical media piracy, and internet piracy. 

The U.S. Department of State is funding the workshop through the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), which was founded to work with governments and people in the Middle East and North Africa to expand economic, political, and educational opportunities.  The USPTO's MEPI program focuses on providing technical assistance in support of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFAs) with countries in the region.  These courses are intended to assist governments in strengthening their capacity to protect intellectual property in order to meet commitments enshrined in such agreements.

The USPTO, through the issuance of patents, encourages technological advancement by providing incentives to invent, invest in, and disclose new technology worldwide. Through the registration of trademarks, the agency assists businesses in protecting their investments, promoting goods and services, and safeguarding consumers against confusion and deception in the marketplace.

Working in partnership with other U.S. Government elements, with private program facilitators, and with Omani public and private partners, the U.S. Embassy in Muscat supports a range of programs reflecting the deep historic, diplomatic, and economic, bilateral ties between the United States and the Sultanate.  To learn more about U.S.-sponsored educational, cultural, and exchange programming, visit the Embassy's website at http://oman.usembassy.gov.