Stakeholder Meeting Delivers Valuable Sharing

The annual Roundtable for the Executives of National and Regional IP Associations in ASEAN organized by the WIPO Singapore Office, once again delivered a raft of valuable outcomes for all participants.

It was the WSO Officer-in-charge’s great pleasure to facilitate the roundtable that featured the President or Chairperson from the national IP associations of Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. Local leaders from other regional IP associations such as AIPPI, the ASEAN IP Association, the Asian Patent Attorneys Association and INTA also joined the forum.

Each participating organization delivered a country or organization report in which they explained some of the challenges their association has faced during the pandemic and how they have adapted to the new circumstances. It was also reported that filings in general across the region remain quite strong with a some noticing a downward trend in renewals.

The inspiring commitment to IP was evident in every country report. The reports contained details of volunteers continuing to sacrifice their valuable time to help build a stronger IP community and system in their country through the association.

It was noted during the session that during this difficult time caused by Covid-19, the role of a community is of great importance. It was pleasing that this group has a strong bond and regards itself as a community that will help each other to get through these uncertain times.