MEMORANDUM

OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND AND THE COPYRIGHT OFFICE OF VIETNAM ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF COPYRIGHT AND NEIGHBOURING RIGHTS

The Department of Intellectual Property of the Kingdom of Thailand

And The Copyright Office of Vietnam,

Hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”,

Aware of the spirit of friendship and understanding existing between the government bodies;

Recognizing that copyright and neighbouring rights have an important role in supporting the development of literature, art and overall culture and economy;

DESIRING to foster closer cooperation in the field of copyright and neighbouring rights in order to provide a firm basis for cultural and economic growth and prosperity between two countries;

Recognizing a need to promote mutual understanding among countries in the region in the field of copyright and neighbouring rights by aiming to strengthen regional cooperation;

Have reached the following understanding:

Article 1- Goals and Objectives

Both Parties will pursue the following goals and objectives:

a. Promote linkage between the national offices responsible for copyright and neighbouring rights of the two countries.

b. Promote the development of human resources including training and the exchange of specialists on copyright and neighbouring rights;

c. Promote the exchange and flow of information on copyright and neighbouring rights;

d. Promote the solution of common problems related to copyright and neighbouring rights and their protection;

e. Promote closer cooperation and consultation among the countries in the region;

f. Promote reciprocal protection of copyright and neighbouring rights of the people of the two countries.

Article 2 – Areas of Cooperation

a. Exchange and dissemination of information and documentation on copyright and neighbouring rights including the electronic data;

b. Development of human resources including the training of specialists on copyright and neighbouring rights;

c. Exchange of study visits;

d. Comparative study of the respective regimes of both countries regarding copyright and neighbouring rights;

e. Coordination of cooperation between the two countries in the field of international copyright and neighbouring rights;

f. Promotion of exchange and cooperation between the non-government organizations of the two countries.

Article 3 - Consultation

The officials of the national offices of both countries responsible for copyright and neighbouring rights will meet at least once a year to review the progress of the cooperation on copyright and neighbouring rights. There will be consultation at the ministerial level when appropriate.

Article 4 – Application Provision

Nothing in this Memorandum will prejudice the rights and obligations of each Party under any existing or future bilateral or multilateral agreement related to the protection of copyright and neighbouring rights.

Article 5 - Entry Into Effect, Modification and Termination

a. This Memorandum will enter into effect on the date when the Government of the two Parties inform each other that they have completed their respective necessary legal procedures for its entry into force.

b. The Parties may terminate this Memorandum at any time by giving six (6) months advance notice in writing through diplomatic channels;

c. This Memorandum may be amended by an Exchange of Notes between the Parties.

Signed in Hanoi on this 7tn day of November, 1999, in two originals in the English languages, both being equally authoritative.

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