As part of CLDP's program to development the intellectual property environment in Kyrgyzstan, CLDP sponsored a conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on October 16-17 on Customs Measures for the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights.  The conference, organized in conjunction with the State Intellectual Property Service of Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyzpatent) and the Kyrgyz State Customs Service, presented approximately 70 Kyrgyz customs and intellectual property officials with an international perspective on border enforcement of IPR by customs authorities.  Presentations by customs and IP officials from Kyrgyzstan and the United States were supplemented by sessions with rights holders from the region in order to offer a mix of perspectives on public-private cooperation in the field.  Representatives from several rights holders noted that the event was the first of its kind in offering a forum for dialiogue on IP issues between the Customs Service and the private sector.  CLDP's support for the conference was part of CLDP's ongoing cooperative relationship with Kyrgyzpatent.