Commerce and Industry 135
Technology Cooperation with the Mainland
In line with the new strategy, Hong Kong has continued to strengthen technology cooperation with the Mainland. Pursuant to an agreement signed by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau, a 'Mainland and Hong Kong Science and Technology Cooperation Committee' was formed and held its first meeting in Beijing in December 2004. The Committee agreed on a work plan to enhance technology cooperation and exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland in four technology areas: radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies, automotive parts and accessory systems, integrated circuit design, and Chinese medicine.
In September 2004, the ITC and the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology launched the 'Guangdong and Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme'. The purpose of the scheme is to encourage collaborations among universities, research institutions and technology enterprises in Hong Kong and Guangdong in carrying out applied R&D projects that will facilitate industry upgrading and economic development in the Greater PRD region. Under the scheme, Hong Kong and Guangdong have provided funding support to 24 and 43 projects respectively in six technology areas of common interest.
Publicity and Promotional Events
The ITC organised the Hong Kong Student Science Project Competition, coordinated nominations from the HKSAR for the State Science and Technology Awards, and took the lead in coordinating Hong Kong's participation in the China Hi- Tech Fair 2004 held in Shenzhen. All these events helped foster an innovation and technology culture in the community.
Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
The Government's commitment to protecting intellectual property rights is evidenced by its dynamic legislative programme to ensure that our intellectual property laws are updated and effective, with vigorous law enforcement to combat piracy and counterfeiting activities and continuous public education efforts to increase the community's awareness of and respect for intellectual property rights. Hong Kong has in place an intellectual property protection regime which is in line with international standards.
Registration
Registration activities have taken on a new focus to deliver Internet online filing ('e-filing') of trade marks (available since December 31, 2003), and Internet online. publication of patents and designs (available since May 7, 2004). Rollout of e-filing of patent and design forms was completed in December 2004. The target is to increase the migration rate of e-filing from around 10 per cent in 2004-05 to 30 per cent in 2005-06.
The development of new computer systems for the processing of trade mark, patent and design applications through outsourcing was completed in August 2004. E-filing, e-publication and automated examination are distinctive features of the
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