ACADEMIC SESSIONS
APAA 2025: Key Sessions
for Knowledge Exchange and Discussion
APAA is pleased to present an interesting and insightful array of topics and discussions in the Academic Sessions, and we hope that you will join us for a great learning and sharing experience! Please note the following:
- Standing Committee Meetings – These meetings convene committee representatives from each Recognised Group to present updates on intellectual property (IP) developments across the region. In addition to formal reports, each session will feature a focused discussion on a selected topic. Attendance is open to all APAA participants as observers.
- Workshops – Designed for in-depth exploration of critical IP issues, workshops are accessible to Members, Observers, and Accompanying Office Persons (“APAA Participants”). Given space limitations, participation is subject to room capacity.
- Round Tables – These interactive discussions provide a platform for focused engagement on specific IP topics. Due to limited seating, participants must register in advance via the “Round Tables” dropdown portal, with each attendee encouraged to enroll in only one session. While table seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, standing participants may attend and observe the discussions.
- Session with Mentors – These special sessions offer APAA Participants a unique opportunity to engage with experienced IP professionals in a more personalised setting. Designed to facilitate mentorship and knowledge exchange, these sessions allow attendees to gain valuable insights, seek career advice, and discuss emerging trends in intellectual property. While open to all APAA Participants, space is limited, and priority will be given to those who register in advance. These sessions provide an excellent platform for meaningful discussions and professional growth within the APAA community.
Standing Committees
These meetings convene committee representatives from each Recognised Group to present updates on intellectual property (IP) developments across the region. In addition to formal reports, each session will feature a focused discussion on a selected topic. Attendance is open to all APAA participants as observers.
| Anti-Counterfeiting | Topic: Recent Customs Law and Practice |
| Copyright | Topic: AI Generated Works and Copyright |
| Designs | Topic: Keeping More Than One: Protecting Cohesive Designs Across Sets, Series, and Multiple Items |
| Emerging IP Rights | Topic: Deepfakes and IP |
| Patents | Topic: Unity of Invention: an Unpredictable Hurdle in Cross-Border Filings |
| Trademarks | Topic: Non-traditional TM |
Workshops – Designed for in-depth exploration of critical IP issues, workshops are accessible to Members, Observers, and Accompanying Office Persons (“APAA Participants”). Given space limitations, participation is subject to room capacity.
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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. |
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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. |
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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 (Global) 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 Tables – These interactive discussions provide a platform for focused engagement on specific IP topics. Due to limited seating, participants must register in advance via the “Round Tables” dropdown portal, with each attendee encouraged to enroll in only one session. While table seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, standing participants may attend and observe the discussions.
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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. |
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Round Table 2 (7 Nov: 10:30 to 12:00) |
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? |
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Round Table 3 (7 Nov: 13:30 to 15:00) |
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? |
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Round Table 4 (Soft Topic) (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. |
