Decision

6 July 2023: Summary of discussion of the second UK-Andean Countries Intellectual Property Sub-Committee

Updated 6 September 2024

Ecuador (Andean chair) hosted virtually, July 2023

The second meeting of the United Kingdom-Andean Countries Intellectual Property Sub-Committee took place on 6 July 2023 via videoconference between Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and the UK.

1. Greetings and opening remarks

The Andean chair welcomed UK and Andean colleagues, setting out the Andean countries’ ambitions for the Sub-Committee and continuing the partners’ bilateral relationship. The UK welcomed the chair’s comments.

2. Adoption of the agenda

The agenda was adopted.

3. General intellectual property (IP) segment

3.1 Update from Ecuador

Ecuador provided an update on changes to regulations linked to Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code (COIP) and the Organic Code of the Social Economy of Knowledge (COESCCI), informed on its implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty, and updated on regulation regarding Registration of License Contracts.

3.2 Update from Colombia

Colombia provided an update on its National Development Plan (Global Life Power – Act 2294/2023), making a brief presentation of articles 107, 161, 169, 170, 171, 225, 226, and 258, relating to intellectual property.

3.3 Update from Peru

Peru provided an update on Law 31497 (simplification of registration, renewal and protection of trademarks), Law 31724 (registration fees for SMEs), informed on its ratification of the Lisbon Treaty and Nice Agreement, entering into force in October 2022, and ratification of the Vienna Agreement, entering into force in July 2024.

3.4 Update from the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom presented on its exhaustion regime and the programme of work on music streaming, as well as providing updates on the Trade Marks (Amendment) Regulations 2022, the call for views and a survey on the designs system and its work on IP education and business support.

4. Geographical Indication (GI) update

4.1 Update from Andean countries

Ecuador made a presentation on its new protected designation of origin (PDO), Miske. Colombia made a presentation on modifications to the Bocadillo Veleño PDO. The Andean countries requested an update on the progression of their GI applications.

4.2 Update from the United Kingdom

The UK provided an update on the progress of the Andean GI applications as requested. The UK outlined the process for GI applications in the UK, and offered further technical discussion with the Andean countries on progressing Andean GI applications.

5. Other issues

The UK and Andean countries exchanged technical information on the use of UK GI logos and the modification of GIs.

The UK and Colombia exchanged information on compulsory licences for pharmaceutical products.

6. Closing remarks

Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and the UK expressed mutual gratitude for the productive and informative meeting, noting that they look forward to further engagements.