Could you explain bilateral relations between Viet Nam and European Patent Office in the past years? What are your plans to further promote co-operation in the future?

We have a very good reputation in Viet Nam. Our co-operation started about 10 years ago. We are very satisfied with the way this co-operation is being developed and are very impressed with Viet Nam's development in the IP field.

ASEAN has been a dynamic region in the world with high economic growth. Would you consider ASEAN as an important partner for the EPO's international co-operation? What areas would be given priority for co-operation with ASEAN?

I am here in Ha Noi for two reasons. First one is to develop co-operation on a bilateral basis with Viet Nam. We have just signed a memorandum of understanding to enforce our co-operation for the next four years. But I am also in Ha Noi for another reason, which is meeting the Heads of the IP Offices Conference attendees of the 10 ASEAN countries. This is a very important meeting. It proves that ASEAN has been a fast growing region and I think it is important that IP situations and policies are developed. You know IP has been raised as an economic tool. It helps develop invention and increases competitiveness. And now we are a global economy, it is important that ASEAN countries share the same rule in order to have the same benefits as developed countries.

What do you expect to achieve from the HIPOC this time and to what extent would ASEAN be involved in this process of implementation of initiatives derived from the conference?

The first step is how to have good regulatory and legal framework. Then you have to develop efficient IP offices. By efficient, I mean that offices which are involved in granting patents are approving good quality patents. For that you need to train and qualify people. This is a very important task because patents cover all technological fields. You must have patent examinations from all technological areas. If you are the world's experts in patents training in Viet Nam and other ASEAN countries, you will also develop very good IP tool. You know databases in all IT tools have to possess patents in their development process. We are going over all technical points in order to share our views and our opinions.

The patent system plays a crucial role for technological and socio-economic development. Could you please elaborate on this? What is the importance of patent information for inventions?

In fact, in a patent you must consider two different dimensions. The first one is that you have somebody, or a company, invent something. An invention needs to be protected. This is important. If an invention is protected, investments will be made. If it is used by other people, investors will not be eager to invest in further development and innovation. That's why we said that a patent is one of the most efficient solutions to protect inventions. On the other hand, when we issue a patent, you have to publish your innovation otherwise the invention would be available to every person and someone would have a chance to try to invent something better. Therefore another important mission of IP offices is to refuse to disseminate technological information. In Europe, we have an internet portal to publish espionage activities and it provides free access. You can go to your office and search on internet. We provide 80 million different documents which present the most comprehensive and updated information from all over the world. It is also a way to develop and give access to students and companies on where they are. You should consider two elements. First, it is intensive for investors because they know that they have access to news of their investment. Secondly, it is also informative for people as it is easy to access the very comprehensive technological patent information.

What would be your recommendations for Viet Nam and ASEAN regions to improve their IP services and to maximise the benefits from IP for socio-economic and technological development?

I think that I've already mentioned two elements. First, it is a good regulatory framework for efficient IP offices, with the third one being good enforcement. So I think now is the time for priorities and enforcement and should be in order to make certain IP rights are fully respected. This is very important. If you have a good IP system, then you become more attractive to investors. You will give more reasons for more companies to invest in your country. This is also a good comprehensive economic policy. We are happy to help Viet Nam and all ASEAN countries in order to be fully efficient in this field.