08/06/2007

European Union. RTD and IPR issues were discussed in a summit between the European Union (EU) and Japan held in Berlin on 5th June 2007

The 16th EU-Japan Summit was recently held in Berlin. During discussions covering a wide range of political and economic aspects of their relationship, the EU and Japan discussed the WTO and the Doha Development Round and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and innovation.

Regarding IPR, they decided to continue with their existing "Joint Initiative for the enforcement of IPRs in Asia" and to expand their collaborative efforts for the protection of IPRs, specifically with new initiatives on support to SMEs, promotion of customs cooperation, and the development of a network to exchange information on geographical indications.

Regarding research and innovation, the EU and Japan agreed to strengthen their co-operation and to move forward with the conclusion of a bilateral Science and Technology Agreement. In this framework, a "staff exchange scheme" will be launched to create better ties between research institutions. They also agreed to work to accelerate the development of fusion energy and reiterated their commitment to the ITER project.

Related Links:
European Commission press release
EU-Japan action plan on IPR protection and enforcement
Promoting Research and Innovation towards Prosperity