ACADEMIC SESSIONS

Special Topic: Recent Customs Law and Practice

With the recent amendments to customs border control laws in various jurisdictions, the special topic this year seeks to provide an updated guide to the intellectual property border control measures affecting infringing goods from the perspective of these various countries.

Special Topic: Keeping More Than One: Protecting Cohesive Designs Across Sets, Series, and Multiple Items

Traditionally, one design corresponds to one application, following the principle of “one application, one design.” If multiple designs exist, separate applications for multiple designs are generally required. However, recent developments in design law—such as the Design Law Treaty adopted in Riyadh, the Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs, and various national legislations—have introduced provisions that, under certain conditions, permit the inclusion of multiple designs within a single application.

Regardless of the filing type, we still need to determine how many designs are being filed. But what exactly is the definition or scope of "a single design"?  Under what circumstances can a design composed of multiple components be regarded as a single design? How can we protect a design that transforms into different shapes? Is it possible to protect separate or non-contiguous parts of a design?

This discussion explores how different jurisdictions define and interpret the concept of a “single design,” and examines the strategies and challenges involved in protecting multi-component creations as a single design—including cohesive designs such as coordinated sets or series of related items.

Special Topic: Deepfakes and IP

"deepfake" meaning :-

Oxford Language - a video of a person in which their face or body has been digitally altered so that they appear to be someone else, typically used maliciously or to spread false information.

Cambridge English dictionary - a video or sound recording that replaces someone's face or voice with that of someone else, in a way that appears real.

AI-generated misinformation (deepfakes) has been a significant issue since the capability first arose. AI-generated deepfakes can replicate a person's face and voice without their consent very easily. In recent years, it has become a great force, allegedly capable of potentially altering real-world politics by influencing election results and shaping public opinion. For instance, there are cases where deepfake videos of former U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian politician Rahul Gandhi were circulated. Such fake content poses a threat to democracy.

Current copyright law protects the creative expressions of authors, potentially including deepfake creations. But the identity of the individual which is exploited (such as their face and voice), is not always directly protected by national laws. We would like to discuss ways to protect the rights of individuals against such actions from the perspective of intellectual property rights.

Questions:

1. In your country, is it possible to protect an individual's face and voice (so-called identity) under current law, and if so, what are those laws?

2. Please explain the current status of enforcement of identity rights under intellectual property law and other laws (e.g., publicity rights) and give any relevant examples. 

3. If new legislation is being considered to deal with problems of deepfakes specifically, please advise the details.

UNQTE

Special Topic: Unity of Invention: an Unpredictable Hurdle in Cross-Border Filings

Have you encountered challenges with the unity of invention requirement when filing patent applications abroad? While many jurisdictions share the same basic principles, the standards and application of the unity requirement vary significantly. To better understand these differences across countries, the APAA Patent Committee has circulated a questionnaire addressing both legal frameworks and examination practices. The results will help identify common patterns and practical challenges faced by applicants, offering valuable insights for patent professionals throughout Asia.

Special Topic: Non-traditional TM

Non-Traditional Trademarks (“NTMs”) are one of the most exciting subjects in trademark law and practice, especially for APAA member states who introduced NTMs recently. Unlike conventional word marks or logos, NTMs encompass elements like shapes, colors, sounds, scents, motion, taste, touch, even positioning, all of which may serve to identify the source of goods or services.

 The protection of NTMs varies widely across jurisdictions, reflecting different legal interpretations and considerations. When it comes to the registration of NTMs, it is important to understand and share the key practical challenges currently faced in trademark law and practice. For example, how is the distinctiveness or functionality of NTMs assessed in each jurisdiction?. From a practical standpoint, it is also valuable to explore the specific filing requirements applicable to NTMs. 

By exchanging insights into national practices, including specific challenges encountered during examination and enforcement, and notable cases, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the evolving NTM landscape.

Workshop 1

(10 Nov: 09:00 to 10:30)

Global Patent Strategies

Title: Global Patent Strategies - Craft a Comprehensive Patent Protection Plan

Brief Description: This workshop explores how emerging technologies are reshaping global patent strategies: strategic filing approaches, patent lifecycle management, and legal challenges arising from fast-evolving tech sectors. Real-world examples and expert guidance will equip attendees to build future-ready, globally informed patent strategies.

Workshop 2

(10 Nov: 11:00 to 12:30)

Strategies to Address Cross Border TM Infringement

Title: Navigate Cross-Border Trademark Infringement: Discussing Challenges Posed by Digital Platforms

Brief Description: With globalization and the advancement of technology, trademark infringement has become increasingly complex and widespread. This issue now extends beyond physical borders into virtual and digital domains. There is a growing need to explore possible legal, technological, and strategic approaches to address the realities of modern trademark infringement.

Skill Building Session

(10 Nov: 13:45 to 15:15)

Networking

Title: THE ATTENTION SWITCH - 7 Surprising Strategies to Get the Right Clients & Win More Work [Especially in Changing Times!]

Brief Description: Do you get results from networking events? Do you struggle with getting your relationships to help you to grow your practice? Do you have trouble with marketing and “selling” yourself (internally and externally)? If any of these questions resonate with you, then you are not alone. A lot of lawyers struggle with how to use relationships and networking in a way that is intentional and helps propel them forward in their careers and get more referrals or clients. In this powerful and interactive workshop, attorney-at-law, award-winning international speaker, and bestselling author Itzik Amiel will share 7 secrets to building your Relations Capital by identifying the people critical to your success and by developing strategies to build relations and grow your practice and referrals. These strategies are based on his bestselling book: “The Attention Switch”. If you want to get connected, make yourself worth connecting to. It’s a journey, and every step counts!

Speaker:

Itzik Amiel (International speaker and Bestselling Author, ‘The Attention Switch')

A globally recognized authority on business networking, business development, personal branding, and relations capital. He is a growth strategy expert and client relationships advisor to leading law firms worldwide, a sought-after international speaker, trainer, business mentor, and attorney-at-law. He is also the bestselling author of The Attention Switch.

Round Table 1

(7 Nov: 10:30 to 12:00)

Artificial Intelligence

Title: The Future is Now: Examine the Challenges and Ethical Considerations of Integrating AI in Legal Practice

Brief Description: The exponential growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) today is beginning to change the landscape of the legal profession in unprecedented levels. This session will discuss emerging issues in the integration of AI in legal practice, including any policies advocating responsible and ethical AI use.

Panelists:

Round Table 2

(7 Nov: 10:30 to 12:00)
 
Standard Essential Patents (SEP)

Title: Unlocking Innovation or Locking It Down? The Role of Standard Essential Patents (SEP)

Brief Description: This session explores the effects of Standard Essential Patents (SEP) on the development of emerging technologies. How do SEPs and Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) licensing affect access to standardized technologies? Does the current system support or hinder innovation?

Panelists:

Round Table 3

(7 Nov: 13:30 to 15:00)
 
Non-Traditional Marks

Title: Exploring Non-Traditional Marks: Analyzing likelihood of confusion in trademark enforcement

Brief Description: Enforcing the rights of non-traditional marks, such as scent, color, or sound marks, presents unique challenges. What are these challenges? Will non-traditional marks require specialized methods to determine likelihood of confusion?

Panelists:

Round Table 4

(7 Nov: 13:30 to 15:00)

Public Speaking

Title: Own Your Voice: Leverage the Power of Public Speaking to Engage Audiences and Sustain Their Interest

Brief Description: Public speaking has become an essential skill in the age of digital media. It empowers individuals to communicate their knowledge with clarity and confidence. This session will explore how to harness one’s potential to express ideas, engage audiences, and deliver messages that leave a lasting impression. 

Panelists: