A virtual workshop on new developments in intellectual property protection and combating digital infringement was held under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework June 17 and 18 in Taipei City, spotlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding trade secrets and preventing digital piracy.
Jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan High Prosecutors Office, American Institute in Taiwan and Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, the two-day workshop also marked the second time the THPO has co-hosted a digital infringement event under the GCTF.
High-profile participants included Deputy MOFA Minister Harry Ho-jen Tseng, Minister of Justice Tsai Ching-hsiang, THPO Chief Prosecutor Hsing Tai-chao, AIT Director Brent Christensen and JTEA Deputy Chief Rep. Hoshino Mitsuaki. In addition, around 120 experts and government officials from 19 countries including South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and the U.S. took part via video link.
During his address, Tseng said protection of IP rights has been an important driver of Taiwan’s knowledge-based industries during the democratic era. He cited the example of a memorandum of understanding on IP rights enforcement signed between Taiwan and the U.S in February 2017 as a sign of both sides’ commitment to strengthening cooperation on combating IP infringement and fraud.
Concerted efforts are needed to counter online economic espionage that not only threatens private businesses but also good governance, Tseng said, adding that the GCTF workshop is a valuable platform to facilitate the sharing of best practices and the latest developments in law enforcement.
The workshop is the second of its kind held under the GCTF since the framework’s launch in June 2015. Other topics addressed by the initiative include education, environmental protection, humanitarian assistance, public health and women’s empowerment. (DL-E)
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