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The Working Group on Intellectual Property (IP) Trading has completed its deliberation on all the strategic areas under the Strategic Framework on promoting Hong Kong as a regional IP trading hub, and will submit a report with recommendations to the Government for consideration and follow-up, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, who is also the Chairman of the Working Group, said today (November 27).
At the seventh meeting today, the Working Group discussed matters relating to IP rights education in Hong Kong and collaboration with Mainland, overseas and international IP authorities. In addition, it endorsed the recommendations of the two Sub-Groups on IP valuation and IP arbitration and mediation.
With the conclusion of the meeting, the Working Group has finished discussing the specific policies and support measures under each strategic area of the Strategic Framework.
"We plan to submit a Working Group report to the Government in early 2015, with recommendations on measures to further develop Hong Kong as a regional IP trading centre," Mr So said.
"I would like to thank members for their contributions and support to the Working Group. They have provided very valuable views and suggestions which are conducive to giving impetus to the development of IP trading in Hong Kong," he added.
The Vice-Chairman of the Working Group, Mr Andrew Liao, said, "The Working Group has been working intensively to identify specific support measures, as we are aware of the urgency for Hong Kong to take action in order to maintain its edge over competitors in the region. The recommendations cover comprehensively the strategic areas and directions, taking into account the unique strength and role of Hong Kong as a premier IP trading hub."
The Working Group was set up in March 2013, with a term of two years, to advise on the overall strategy to promote Hong Kong as an IP trading hub and identify possible policies and measures in support.
At the end of 2013, the Working Group endorsed a Strategic Framework (see Annex) for forging ahead with the development of IP trading in Hong Kong. It covers four strategic areas, namely enhancing the IP protection regime; supporting IP creation and exploitation; fostering IP intermediary services and manpower capacity; and pursuing promotion, education and external collaboration efforts.
The Working Group comprises government representatives, industry stakeholders and experts from different fields.
Ends/Thursday, November 27, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:30
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