INTA Embraces Innovation at IP Week in Singapore

INTA President David Lossignol (Novartis Pharma AG, Switzerland) represented INTA at Singapore’s IP Week, which took place from August 27 to 28. Organized by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), the event attracted more than 3,500 participants and 120 supporters from more than 45 countries.

At the opening ceremony, Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing noted that innovation and “intangible assets” such as intellectual property (IP) will increasingly drive the next wave of global growth in the region. Mr. Sing added that Singapore must redouble efforts to build itself as a trusted global hub for IP in a fragmented world. IPOS Chief Executive Daren Tang added that INTA will hold its 142nd Annual Meeting in Singapore from April 25 to 29, 2020.

At a plenary session entitled “Beyond Regulations: IP Offices for the Future,” Mr. Lossignol stressed the importance of a positive IP environment and encouraged outreach to small businesses. “There is a real opportunity for IP offices to educate policy makers about the basics of IP and its contribution to social welfare and economics,” he said. “IP Offices can also engage SMEs and entrepreneurs to the early adoption of IP rights.” Mr. Lossignol went on to explain that INTA is embracing change by expanding its scope to encompass a variety of relevant topics beyond trademarks. He stressed the importance of moving towards an innovation-driven world and how INTA can help members to confront these challenges.

Mr. Lossignol also spoke at a business track panel that focused on “Designs as the New Driver for Business Growth.” A common theme of the presentations was the challenges facing design-focused companies as they use their designs and brands for business growth. As Mr. Lossignol pointed out, INTA’s advocacy efforts have extended from trademarks, to brand protection, to IP rights, and designs. He added that INTA’s Design Rights Committee is dedicated to increasing the Association’s design exposure and raising awareness of design-related issues. Mr. Lossignol strongly encouraged governments to proceed with accession to the Hague Agreement on international design filing.

INTA’s Asia-Pacific Representative Office, based in Singapore, represents the Association’s 789 members across the region. Working in collaboration with staff at INTA’s headquarters in New York City, the Asia-Pacific Representative Office leads the Association’s policy, membership, marketing, and communications initiatives throughout this region. To learn more about INTA’s activities in the Asia-Pacific, please contact INTA Chief Representative Officer Seth Hays at [email protected].

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of items in the INTA Bulletin, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

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