Strengthened Cooperation with the Portuguese IP Office

A delegation from the Icelandic Intellectual Property Office (ISIPO) visited the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) in Lisbon last week. The purpose of the visit was to learn about actions, practices, and policies aimed at increasing the participation of women in the field of intellectual property. At the conclusion of the visit, Borghildur Erlingsdóttir, Director General of ISIPO, and Ana Bandeira, President of INPI, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on strengthened cooperation, in the presence of Maria Clara Figueiredo, Portugal’s Deputy Minister of Justice.

This visit followed an earlier visit by the INPI President and her delegation to Iceland earlier in the month. These mutual visits and the declaration of intent are part of an INPI-led educational project on women and intellectual property, supported by the EEA Grants. One of the objectives of ther programmes’ activities is to strengthen bilateral relations between Portugal and Iceland, with a focus on women's empowerment in key sectors.

During the visit to Lisbon, the Icelandic delegation had the opportunity to learn about the work of the GAPI technology transfer offices at the Nova Medical School and the Instituto Superior Técnico. GAPI offices operate in over 30 Portuguese universities and technology centres. They were established by INPI and receive various forms of support from the institute. Their role is to promote innovation in the academic and research community, including by providing education on intellectual property rights and assisting researchers with patent applications.

The visit was both enjoyable and informative, and ISIPO representatives look forward to further collaboration.