ASEAN in Focus: Intellectual Property

In the modern world, intellectual property (IP) touches on nearly every aspect of our lives. From the songs that are streamed to our music players, the medicine that are dispensed in the pharmacies to energy efficient LEDs replacing fluorescent lights, we are constantly in contact with products and services that are protected under various forms of IP rights.

IP rights reward creative and innovative industries for enhancing the world that we live in. With the rapid growth of the consumer market in the ASEAN countries, more businesses are expanding into this region. For companies venturing into the ASEAN market, developing an IP strategy that includes due diligence, audits and proper management of IP rights is important to support the growth and minimise risk of the business in the ASEAN market.

With the exception of Myanmar, ASEAN members states have developed IP laws and regulations that are generally in line with international standards. While the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) officially came into force in December 2015, businesses should note that presently IP rights are territorial. In other words, IP is enforceable in an ASEAN member state only upon valid domestic registration.

In this session, join our speakers as they introduce the fundamentals of intellectual property rights, international IP filing systems and the role of Singapore as the IP gateway to ASEAN as well as discuss key IP strategies that are useful for expansion into the ASEAN market.

With thanks to our ASEAN in Focus Series Partner, Jardine Cycle & Carriage​.