The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs).
What are Standard Essential Patents (SEPs)?
SEPs are patents that are critical to a specific technical standard. When a company develops technology following a standard that incorporates SEPs, the SEP owner agrees to license the patent under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. Find out more.
What does this MoU mean?
This MoU signifies a commitment from both the UKIPO and USPTO to work together on SEP-related issues. This collaboration will include initiatives such as raising awareness of SEPs among businesses and stakeholders.
Benefits of the MoU
This agreement is expected to foster a fairer and more balanced international SEP ecosystem, benefiting businesses of all sizes in both the UK and the US, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises and new market entrants.
The agreement will remain in effect for five years from the date of signing (3rd June 2024).