Switzerland’s Intellectual Property cooperation with Vietnam and Lao PDR Funded by: Federal Department of Economic Affairs FDEA State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO Economic Cooperation and Development

Trilateral Cooperation Project in Intellectual Property: VietnamLao PDRSwitzerland

Partner Countries: Some Figures VietnamLao PDRSwitzerland Size331’698 km²236’800 km²41'285 km² Population88 millions6.2 millions7.9 millions GDP/capita/PPP3’400 USD2’800 USD49’000 USD International Property Rights Index Rank 87Not listed3 Global Innovation Index Rank Human Development Index 0,593 (113.)0,524 (138.)0,903 (11.)

Project Phase I ( ): Updating the IPR System in Vietnam Objective: To establish a TRIPS compliant legal & institutional framework in Vietnam Expert input into legal framework Training for government officials Modernization of the IP administration system Expert input during the WTO accession process Translation of WIPO publications and international treaties Institutionalizing IP training courses

Project Phase II (2007 – 2010): Promoting the use of IP in Vietnam Objective: To promote the use of IPRs that is in line with international commitments but also benefits disadvantaged groups of the population, in order to improve the business environment, encourage know- how and technology transfer, facilitate exports and contribute to economic development Drafting of implementing regulations Strengthening the IPR enforcement system Support PE&A activities in Vietnam Preparing a system to protect traditional knowledge (TK) Assist producer’s associations in establishing and using geographical indications Introducing IP in teaching at university level

Project Phase III ( ): Outreach to Lao PDR in Cooperation with Vietnam  Objective: To improve the IPR system of Lao PDR towards compliance with WTO requirements  Cooperation project between Vietnam and Lao PDR Trainings, study visits and exchange of experiences  Switzerland to round up and complement activities implemented under the Vietnam – Lao IP project Expert input in legal system Co-financing of activities in Vietnam (travel costs) Training course on public awareness raising In-depth training course on international IP-system Awareness raising seminars in Lao PDR Establishing a website of the Department of Intellectual Property

Main Success Factors  Credibility and no hidden agenda  Three-pronged approach to support the development of an IP system  “Twinning” of Swiss with Vietnamese/Lao IP administration  Integration and participation of a broader group of stakeholders  Mainstreaming experience gained through pilot projects into policies

Main Success Factors  Expanding outreach to the provincial level  Flexibility  Joint-management and accountability  Day-to-day project management based in the field

Some Key Lessons Learned (& challenges) 1)Clear and effective governance and management structures and the selection of the right project staff 2)A well enforced and balanced IP system is an effective tool to increase international competitiveness of enterprises in developing economies. (3)Strengthening IPRs requires a holistic set of measures

Some Key Lessons Learned (& challenges) 4)Sustainability of capacity calls for institutionalizing training functions rather than only “train-the-trainers”. 5)“Twinning approach” contributed to successful capacity building 6)Outreach to LDCs through triangular cooperation

Thank you very much Questions? Daniel Lauchenauer Project Coordinator Sustainable Development & International Cooperation Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property