Meeting in Munich last week the heads of the EPO and the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding relating to the introduction of the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) by the IMPI. Jointly introduced by the EPO and the USPTO in 2013 and built on the EPO’s in-house ECLA classification the CPC today is developing in a new world standard in patent classification.
IMPI Director General Miguel Angel Margáin and EPO President Benoît Battistelli
“This agreement opens a new chapter in the relations between the EPO and IMPI for the benefit of the users of the patent system in both regions”, EPO President Benoît Battistelli said. “Our offices have already achieved significant progress in the harmonisation of patenting procedures and in the re-utilisation of examination results since the signing of our co-operation agreement in September 2013. The introduction of the CPC at the Mexican office now represents an important step forward in also aligning our tools and practices.”
IMPI Director General Miguel Angel Margáin said: “By signing this agreement the IMPI shows its resolve to take up the challenges that are lying ahead of us in strengthening the patent system in a globalized market place where industrial property plays a growing role.”
The meeting also provided the Offices with the opportunity to take stock of the positive outcomes of bilateral co-operation and to exchange views on search and examination practices, quality management and patent information activities.
Source: European Patent Office
