BREAKING NEWS: UK Government issues statement on EPO
The IPKat has just received a communication from a spokesman for the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) which he has been asked to draw to the attention of the readers of this weblog. This communication refers to Merpel's Katpost yesterday entitled "EPO, SUEPO and a question of governance: why a word from the Baroness would be welcome" (here) and it reads as follows:
It is very much hoped that other national offices will express their willingness to do the same, whether through the medium of this weblog or through channels more appropriate to the nations concerned.
TO CONTACT THE IPO, the best person initially is James Thomson (Head of Stakeholder Engagement), whose office number is +44 207 034 2847 and whose email address is James.Thomson@ipo.gov.uk. If James can't deal with your enquiry, he will know who can. The IPKat and Merpel both urge readers to treat this facility with respect -- and are sure they will.
"The UK Government takes its responsibilities in relation to the EPO very seriously.On behalf of Merpel and all the readers of this weblog, the IPKat wishes to thank the IPO for what, he believes, is the first public response of any national office to the current unrest. He also thanks the IPO for its willingness to answer questions from those concerned about the present situation and what he hopes will be its future resolution.
We are well aware of the social unrest at EPO and the views which some users have expressed about the operation of the Office. This comes at a time of significant reform to support the long-term future of the Organisation.
We regularly hold meetings with UK staff based at the EPO where their concerns are aired and continue to discuss these issues with stakeholders to ensure their views are taken into account.
It is in the interest of all UK stakeholders for UK representatives to play an active role in the governance of the EPO, and we will continue to do so. The UK Intellectual Property Office is in regular contact with relevant stakeholder organisations and is always willing to answer any questions that attorney firms and other users have about UK oversight of the EPO as a member of the Administrative Council.”
It is very much hoped that other national offices will express their willingness to do the same, whether through the medium of this weblog or through channels more appropriate to the nations concerned.
TO CONTACT THE IPO, the best person initially is James Thomson (Head of Stakeholder Engagement), whose office number is +44 207 034 2847 and whose email address is James.Thomson@ipo.gov.uk. If James can't deal with your enquiry, he will know who can. The IPKat and Merpel both urge readers to treat this facility with respect -- and are sure they will.