Consulate General Hosts Digital Video Conference on Intellectual Property Rights

December 15, 2010

The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem hosted a digital video conference on intellectual property rights with Cynthia Henderson, Attorney-Advisor in the Office of Policy and External Affairs at the U.S. Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) on December 14 in Ramallah. Ms. Henderson led a training session regarding USPTO's trademark examination process with an audience consisting of Palestinian lawyers, civil society representatives, and officials from the Ministry of National Economy.

Speaking about the conference, Cultural Affairs Officer Cynthia Harvey stressed the importance of effective intellectual property protections, saying, "The protection of intellectual property rights and the adoption of modern commercial legislation are key to improving the investment climate in the Palestinian economy, and to encouraging the development of high value added sectors, such as information and communication technology, software development, and pharmaceuticals. This training, and others like it, is part of our efforts to work with the Palestinian Authority as it creates the conditions necessary for a strong, viable economy.

Attendees at the digital video conference learned about the American patent registration process, international standards of distinctiveness, U.S. federal trademark law, and how USPTO examiners determine distinctiveness of products in the trademark registration process. Ms. Henderson also answered questions about the protection of trademarked products and how to meet criteria for international standards. She encouraged the overall advancement of international standards for intellectual property in the Palestinian Territories.

The U.S. Consulate General engages with local audiences throughout the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza with a variety of public information programs every year to promote mutual understanding and to address issues, such as intellectual property rights, that impact the lives of Palestinians and Americans.

For more information please contact the U.S. Consulate's Press Office at 02-622-6908.