8 September 2020, Thimphu: The Department of Intellectual Property (DoIP) in collaboration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has successfully conducted a Virtual Training on Trademarks with focus on Distinctiveness. The virtual training is organized with the objective to broaden the expertise of the trademark examiners of DoIP particularly on the different spectrum and determination of trademark distinctiveness and other related aspects of trademark examinations. 

Taking into consideration the current COVID-19 pandemic, the training was conducted virtually and was facilitated by the experts from the USPTO. The virtual training is the first collaboration between the DoIP and the USPTO following the formalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June, 2020 between the two agencies.

It is expected that such increased cooperation and assistance from the leading IP Offices from around the world such as with the USPTO will not only lead to a skilled and professional workforce but could also enhance the structural and institutional set-up in the DoIP.