Brunei Enterprises Cultivating and Leveraging Value from Intangible Assets

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Singapore Office (WSO) and the IP for Business Division, WIPO, convened a scaled-up IP Management Clinic (IPMC) for Brunei enterprises on March 4, 2024.  This activity was carried out in close cooperation with the Brunei Darussalam Intellectual Property (BruIPO), the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) and the ASEAN Secretariat as well as with an invaluable assistance of the Japan Patent Office.

Some 42 business representatives from 16 companies in Brunei Darussalam began their journeys in developing sound IP strategies for their respective business visions and goals. These are leading enterprises from the wide range of industries such as technology, telecommunications, health solutions, e-commerce, and investment management.  The changing operational context has made it necessary for Brunei enterprises to look far from home in growing their businesses under the digital economy. The in-person mentoring sessions of the scaled-up IPMC Program were held during March 4-7, 2024 at the BruIPO.

In her opening remarks, YM Hajah Zuraini binti Haji Sharbawi, Solicitor-General, Attorney General’s Chambers, shares that businesses have to be well equipped with good IP strategies in navigating and managing the complex business journeys ahead. Welcoming remarks were then delivered by Ms. Thitapha Wattanapruttipaisan, Director, WSO S; Mr. Mikiharu Shimizu, Director-General, Policy Planning and Coordination Department, Japan Patent Office (JPO); and Dr. Thang Luong, Assistant Director & Head of Intellectual Property, ASEAN Secretariat.

In the clinic, 16 participating enterprises are proactively supported by a pool of 6 local and international IP and business experts -- namely FT Consulting of Singapore, Yusof Halim & Partners of Brunei Darussalam, and CHP Law LLC of Singapore.  These resource persons provide in-person and online mentorship services in developing IP strategies and brand narratives for the companies’ own businesses.  At the end of the program, these companies receive roadmaps with suggestions on their respective IP and brand strategies and on building sound IP portfolios.

In the coming four months, the same companies will be benefit from various follow-on activities – including the provision of online mentorship under the supervision of IP experts; participation in training sessions on issues of interest to all companies including contracting best practices; and having access to additional WIPO practical tools and resources for business.

To find out more, please visit the IP Management Clinic for SMEs Program.