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Confidentiality of communications between clients and their patent advisors

Pursuant to the decision of SCP/20, this webpage reproduces the content of document of SCP/20/9, updated regularly.

Introduction PDF, Introduction

Confidentiality of communication with patent advisors – Background

  • Mechanisms to preserve confidentiality of communication with certain professions PDF, Client-Attorney Privilege and Professional Secrecy Obligation
  • Client-Patent Advisor Relationship and Confidentiality PDF, Client-Patent Advisor Relationship and Confidentiality

International Legal Framework PDF, International Legal Framework

  • Paris Convention PDF, Patent confidentiality and the Paris Convention
  • TRIPS Agreement PDF, Patent confidentiality and the TRIPS agreement
  • GATS PDF, Patent confidentiality and GATS

Summary of National Laws and Practices

  • Origin and Scope PDF, National laws and practices: Origin and Scope
  • Approaches to Cross-Border Aspects PDF, National laws and practices: Approaches to cross-border aspects

Compilation of Laws and Practices

Discussion of the Relevant Issues

  • Protection against forcible disclosure of communications with patent advisors PDF, Rationale for Client-Patent Advisor Privilege
  • Common Law Approach to the Preservation of Confidentiality PDF, Common Law Approach to the Client-Patent Advisor Privilege
  • Civil Law Approach to the Preservation of Confidentiality PDF, Civil Law Approach to the Patent Advisor Professional Secrecy Obligation
  • Cross Border Aspects PDF, Cross Border Aspects
  • Other Issues PDF, Cross Border Aspects

Possible Remedies Identified on the Cross-Border Aspects PDF, Possible Remedies Identified on the Cross-Border Aspects

  • Rules Concerning the Recognition of Foreign Patent Advisor Privilege PDF, Rules Concerning the Recognition of Foreign Patent Advisor Privilege
  • Choice of Law Rules PDF, Choice of Law Rules
  • Practical Approaches PDF, Practical Approaches

Brief summary of related SCP documents PDF, Summary of SCP-related documents

Work undertaken by International Non-governmental Organizations PDF, Work undertaken by International Non-governmental Organizations

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