Pulungan Wiston & Partners at The APAA 2023 in Singapore

APAA 2023 ended yesterday. The five-day meeting from November 3rd to 7th 2023 had gathered members and guests of the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) Conference at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore.

There is something magical about Singapore. From the moment you land at the ultra-efficient airport, you’re whisked away to the heart of the city, where a world of wonders awaits and where new and wonderful architecture and spaces blend seamlessly with the city’s rich charm, character, and culture. Singapore is a city that always moves forward, constantly reinventing itself while never losing its essence.

The recent APAA conference that ended yesterday (November 7th, 2023), was a fitting tribute to Singapore’s forward-thinking spirit. The conference program was centered on the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, a stunning waterfront venue that offered breathtaking views of the city.

This special event included a range of programmes such as Standing and Special Committees Meetings, Council Meetings, Women in APAA, Reception for the First Time Participants, Opening Ceremony, Excursions, and Gala Dinner.

In addition to the main conference sessions, there was a variety of workshops, roundtables, and networking opportunities. And of course, no trip to Singapore would be complete without experiencing some of the city’s many cultural attractions. The social program includes a Welcome Reception, a Wellness Session, a Cultural Evening, and hospitality suites.

The 2023 APAA Conference in Singapore covered a wide range of hot topics and issues relevant to the intellectual property (IP) profession. These are just some of the key themes that emerged from the conference included:

Artificial Intelligence and the Patentability of Computer-Implemented Inventions

AI is rapidly transforming the way we create, use, and protect IP. The conference explored the challenges and opportunities of AI for IP practitioners, including how to draft and enforce patents for AI-related inventions, and how to manage the risks of IP infringement in the AI era.

Approaches to drafting a patent specification that is suitable for multiple jurisdictions

This session provided guidance on how to draft patent specifications that are suitable for multiple jurisdictions, such as Japan, Singapore, the USA, and Europe.

Unified Patent Court: A Review of the UPC Litigation System in Europe 

The UPC is a new court that will have jurisdiction over patent disputes in Europe. The conference discussed the implications of the UPC for IP practitioners, including how to prepare for litigation in the UPC.

Trends in Equality, Diversity, Inclusivity (EDI): Impact on the profession and the way forward

The IP profession is increasingly diverse, but there is still more work to be done to ensure that it is truly inclusive. The conference discussed the importance of diversity and inclusion in the IP profession, and the steps that can be taken to create a more inclusive environment. This session explored the challenges of work-life balance in the workplace, and how these challenges are perceived across different countries.

Trade Secrets: A Discussion on Cross-Border Misappropriation Cases 

Trade secrets are a valuable form of IP, but they can also be difficult to protect. The conference discussed the challenges and opportunities of protecting trade secrets, and the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of trade secret misappropriation.

The intersection of competition law and IP law

Competition law and IP law can sometimes overlap, which can create complex legal challenges for businesses. The conference discussed the intersection of competition law and IP law, and the steps that businesses can take to avoid legal disputes.

The APAA Conference is a valuable event for IP professionals from around the world to come together to discuss the most pressing issues in the field. The 2023 conference was a particularly successful event, and it was well-received by attendees.

The Philippines will host next year’s APAA Conference in Manila from November 18th to 21st, 2024. Don’t miss the chance to discover the enchanting Philippines archipelago and experience the warm hospitality of its people. See you there!

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