INTA Engages Intellectual Property Community and Government Officials in First-Ever Delegation to Israel

INTA led its first official delegation to Israel, July 8-10, to initiate discussions with government officials, explore advocacy opportunities, and share information. INTA’s local members enthusiastically welcomed the delegation and provided robust support in ensuring its success.

The delegation, which was composed of INTA President David Lossignol (Novartis Pharma AG, Switzerland); INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo; and INTA Representative, Africa, Middle East and Intergovernmental Organizations Tat-Tienne Louembe, conducted a number of high-level meetings with key stakeholders in the country.

Overall, INTA representatives were pleased to learn of the Israeli government’s unflinching and relentless commitment to support innovation and protect brand owners with the ultimate goal of maintaining a vibrant and modern IP ecosystem.

INTA representatives met with Ofir Alon, Director of the Israel Patent Office, and other government officials, with discussions centering on the Office’s current and upcoming activities, including developments in image recognition, and accelerating and simplifying examinations procedures.

The delegation also held a highly engaging meeting with Erez Kaminitz, Deputy Attorney General and head of the Civil Law Department of Israel’s Ministry of Justice, and Howard Poliner, Director of the Ministry of Justice’s Intellectual Property Law Department. These officers embraced INTA’s suggestions to develop a national intellectual property (IP) strategy, consider establishing an IP rights center, and increase educational IP activities.

A meeting with Senior Intellectual Property Judge Gideon Ginat focused on the importance of regular trainings for judges to keep them abreast of the latest developments in the IP arena. Possible collaboration on educational IP workshops was also discussed.

In meetings with Israel’s IP Police Unit, INTA representatives were highly impressed with the excellent services provided by the unit and its strong and seamless interaction with customs and other bodies involved in IP rights enforcement. On the educational front, INTA gave an overview of the Unreal Campaign, the Association’s consumer awareness initiative designed to educate young consumers (ages 14‒23) about the importance of trademarks and brands, and the dangers of counterfeit products, and discussed opportunities to conduct Unreal Campaign presentations in Israel.

The delegation also conducted an interactive session with members of the Israeli Bar Association, formally introducing INTA and its mission, and providing an overview of the Association’s advocacy tools, policy, and educational achievements. INTA delegates expressed the Association’s enthusiasm and willingness to develop joint educational programs with the Bar Association.

Further, INTA representatives held a number of well-received seminars for IP stakeholders and offered proposals aimed at the mutual sharing of best practices. Discussions covered areas of common interest, including ways to boost the profile of trademarks and related rights in Israel, and how to encourage more local entrepreneurs to file trademarks.

INTA Representative Tat-Tienne Louembe supports the Association’s 437 members across Africa and the Middle East. In collaboration with the staff at INTA’s headquarters in New York City and Representatives Offices around the world, Mr. Louembe works on the Association’s policy, membership, marketing, and communications initiatives in these regions. To learn more about INTA’s activities in Africa and the Middle East, please contact Tat-Tienne Louembe at [email protected].

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of items in the INTA Bulletin, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.