A couple of days ago, on December 5, 2017, I moderated a question and answer session with IP attachés from Shanghai, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Bangkok, and Kuwait City, as well as Dom Keating, who is in charge of the IP attaché program at the USPTO. The session was part of a special program hosted by the Dallas Bar Association IP Section in collaboration with the Texas Regional Office of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The primary purpose of IP attachés is to promote U.S. government IP policy internationally. They work closely with government officials in various regions, raising issues, providing training on IP law, enforcement, and administration, conducting public awareness programs, and presenting and explaining U.S. government positions.
What I was not aware of was how great a resource they are for small and midsize enterprises (and large ones, too) entering foreign markets. They can provide detailed information on IP laws and regulations, operations of courts and governments in their region, and how to protect and enforce IP in their regions. The IP attachés typically have locally trained lawyers and experts on staff to assist them. They cannot, however, provide specific advice, counsel or representation, or take sides in a dispute. But, they have connections with local counsel, to whom they can refer you if you need specific advice or representation to resolve a matter.
Next time you are trying to figure out the IP laws and system in an emerging market country, don’t overlook this free resource. They are eager to help.
The Hub of IP 