The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs).

What are Standard Essential Patents (SEPs)?

SEPs are patents that are critical to a specific technical standard. When a company develops technology following a standard that incorporates SEPs, the SEP owner agrees to license the patent under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. Find out more. 

What does this MoU mean?

This MoU signifies a commitment from both the UKIPO and USPTO to work together on SEP-related issues. This collaboration will include initiatives such as raising awareness of SEPs among businesses and stakeholders.

Benefits of the MoU

This agreement is expected to foster a fairer and more balanced international SEP ecosystem, benefiting businesses of all sizes in both the UK and the US, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises and new market entrants.

The agreement will remain in effect for five years from the date of signing (3rd June 2024).