23 July 2020, Thimphu: The Department of Intellectual Property (DoIP), Ministry of Economic Affairs joined speakers and participants from ten other countries from Geneva to UC Berkely, California in a Virtual Meeting, July 23 and 30, 2020 for the Heads of Intellectual Property Office Conference (HIPOC) for Countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Iran (Islamic Republic of) and Mongolia-Phase VIII.

The annual meeting which brings together the Heads of the Intellectual Property Offices from the South and Southeast Asia with guest speakers spread across ten different time-zones from around the world was organized by the WIPO with the theme "At Home with Intellectual Property".

During the Meeting the DoIP’s Director General, Mr. Kinley T. Wangchuk shared some developments and experience of Intellectual Property (IP), in the country such as the launch of the National IP Policy in 2018, establishment of the Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs), the Launch of Trademark Awards and IP Magazine, and Launch of IP Theme song and audiovisuals on Copyright and Related Rights to increase greater understanding and appreciation of the IP Rights to  encourage new technologies and creative works and to create a sustainable basis for invention and creation.

The DG also highlighted on a study visit on Geographical Indications (GIs), and Industrial Property Registration, hosted by the Department of IP, Thailand (2018), the launch of the WIPO Branding Project, and upgradation of the Departments IP Automation system. Lastly, the Department update the meeting on the MoUs signed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, and with the Korean Invention Promotion Association (KIPA) and Korean IP Office to increase bilateral cooperation.

The HIPOC is an interactive forum for the senior management of national IP Offices to engage in a candid conversation to foster new leadership thinking that stresses on accountability, coherence and sustainability of results from development cooperation programs. It is also an opportunity for the Heads of IP Offices and the WIPO to provide updates on key initiatives in the region and to enhance greater peer engagement and cooperation among the different IP Offices. The second and concluding day of the Virtual Meeting will be held 30th July, 2020.