USPTO launches COVID-19 patent platform
The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has launched a platform aimed at supporting patent owners wanting to license technology related to the “prevention, treatment, and diagnosis” of COVID-19.
Patents 4 Partnerships—launched yesterday, May 4—offers a “user-friendly, searchable repository of patents and published patent applications” related to the COVID-19 pandemic that are available for licensing.
Andrei Iancu, director of the USPTO, said: “Patents 4 Partnerships is a meeting place that enables patent owners who want to license their IP rights to connect with the individuals and businesses who can turn those rights into solutions for our health and wellbeing.”
The platform aims to support the voluntary licensing and commercialisation of innovations and help disseminate “valuable” patent information.
At the current time, Patents 4 Partnerships will focus on COVID-19 patents, but it may be expanded to include other technologies.
“With an initial focus on COVID-19, the platform shows how innovation can contribute to the nation’s response to this critical health emergency,” added Iancu.
The USPTO is the latest IP office to push forward a new measure aimed at tackling the pandemic.
In late March, WIPR reported that the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) had launched a “patent information navigation” system to provide accurate information on the latest inventions and treatments aimed at tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
KIPO said the service was also aimed at tackling the spread of ‘fake news’ around the pandemic, especially at a time of heightened anxiety.
Yesterday, WIPR reported that the USPTO, alongside the US Copyright Office, European Patent Office and European Union Intellectual Property Office, had extended its deadlines.
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