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 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 |
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. |
| Copyright |
Special Topic: AI Generated Works and Copyright As companies increasingly rely on Generative AI in the conduct of their businesses and wish to commercialise the outputs of their Generative AI systems, certainty as to who holds the copyright of the AI generated content is needed. Clear copyright ownership is important to determine who can license out the AI generated work, which often times may be layered with the companies’ employees’ human efforts. This discussion explores the “sweat of the brow” doctrine and how we define authorship and creativity in AI contexts.” |
| Designs |
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. |
| Emerging IP Rights |
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 |
| Patents |
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. |
| Trademarks |
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. |
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. Speakers: Yuichiro Takahashi (Takahashi Hayashi and Partner Patent Attorneys, Inc.) Mr. Yuichiro Takahashi has extensive experience in patent law, representing global clients in electronics, chemical, automobile, software, and biotech industries. His expertise covers patent prosecution, licensing, and litigation. A graduate of Keio University’s Electrical Engineering Division, he began his career at Toshiba’s Intellectual Property Division before completing legal training at the Tokyo District Court. He founded Takahashi Yuichiro Law Office in 2003 and Takahashi Hayashi and Partner Patent Attorneys, Inc. in 2005. David Postolski (Gearhart Law) David Postolski is a registered patent and intellectual property attorney specializing in IP strategy, protection, enforcement, and monetization for inventors, creators, and start-ups. A frequent speaker and author on emerging IP issues, he also teaches at Temple University, Parsons School of Design, and Radzyner Law School. David serves on the ABA Intellectual Property Law Council, Harvard’s Lemann Entrepreneurial Program Advisory Board, and New York’s patent pro bono program supporting inventors and entrepreneurs. Morag MacDonald (Bird & Bird) Morag Macdonald is a leading expert in cross-border intellectual property (IP) litigation and strategy, with over 27 UK patent trials and coordination of more than 20 multi-jurisdictional cases across Europe. She advises global clients in life sciences, technology, finance, and energy on patent strategy, freedom to operate, and due diligence in over 40 jurisdictions. Morag holds a Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge and has been a partner at Bird & Bird since 1989. Moderator: Jerry Lin (Tai E International Patent & Law Office) Jerry C. Y. Lin is a seasoned patent attorney with extensive expertise in intellectual property law and technology-related innovations. He holds an EMBA and completed the Continuing Law Education Program at National Taiwan University, with a background in Electronic Engineering from Feng Chia University. His technical specialization spans application software design, semiconductor, LCD, and passive component technologies. Mr. Lin is an active member of several professional associations, including APAA, TWPAA, FICPI, AIPPI, INTA, AIPLA, and LESI, reflecting his deep engagement in the global IP community. |
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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. Speakers: Siew Ling Su (LindaWang Su & Boo) With over 25 years of exclusive experience in Intellectual Property (IP), Siew Ling handles the full spectrum of IP matters, including creation, protection, litigation, and enforcement of IP rights. She has conducted trials and appeals before the Court of Appeal and Federal Court, securing precedent-setting decisions. Her expertise extends to licensing, franchising, regulatory compliance, data protection, and food, drug, and labelling laws. Recognised by Chambers Asia Pacific, Legal 500, World Trademark Review and others, she is praised for her international perspective, strong litigation skills, and strategic approach across diverse industry sectors. Ian Drew (Davies Collison Cave) Ian is a Principal in the Trade Mark Group with extensive experience in global trademark strategy, registration, enforcement, and opposition matters. He has represented clients before trademark offices in Australia, the UK, the EU, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, serving a wide range of industries. A co-author of Lahore: Patent, Trade Mark and Related Rights, Ian is Vice-Chair of the INTA Bulletin, and serves on its Editorial Board and Leadership Development Committee. Peter Gross (Boehmert & Boehmert) Peter Gross specializes in developing trademark strategies and the enforcement of intellectual property rights in Germany and internationally. He advises both large portfolio owners and emerging companies, with expertise in trademark, patent, design, and competition law. Known for his pragmatic and business-focused approach, Peter holds an LL.M. from the University of Aberdeen and studied law at the University of Regensburg. He joined BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT after five years as a partner in a patent law firm. Moderator: Jeong Won Lee (Firstlaw, P.C.) Jeong Won Lee is the internationally recognized leader of her firm’s Trademark/Design Group and one of the top women in global IP. She specializes in trademark prosecution and IP strategy for domestic and international clients. Holding an LL.M. in Intellectual Property from the University of Washington, she is fluent in English and Japanese. Jeong Won has held key roles in INTA and APAA, serves as Director of KOTA, and is also the drummer for the APAA Band. |
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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 (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 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. Hosts: Jason Chan (Amica Law LLC) Jason Chan is a founding director of Amica Law LLC with over three decades of experience in intellectual property and technology law. His practice focuses on IP and technology disputes, enforcement, telecommunications, AI, software, and privacy. A registered Patent Agent called to the Singapore Bar in 1992, he has served as IP Adjudicator with IPOS and Mediator with the Singapore Mediation Centre. Jason has co-chaired APAA’s Anti-Counterfeiting and Copyright Committees, contributed to major legal publications, and is consistently recognized in Legal 500, Managing IP’s IP Stars, and other international rankings. Pawel Piotrowicz (Venner Shipley) Pawel (Pav) Piotrowicz is a European and UK Patent Attorney with over 25 years’ experience and is the firm’s former Managing Partner. He specialises in deep tech including AI and machine learning. Pav played a central role in Enlarged Board of Appeal (EBA) G1/19 (Pedestrian Simulation) which is the most authoritative case on the patentability of computer-implemented inventions at the EPO, and for which he won the Managing IP award for European Impact Case of the Year in 2022. |
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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? Hosts: Vaishali Mittal (Anand and Anand) With over 22 years of experience, Vaishali R. Mittal is a leading IP litigator and strategist at Anand and Anand, widely recognized as a “leading light in SEP litigation in India.” She has led several landmark cases, including Vifor v MSN Labs, Nokia v Oppo, Interdigital v Xiaomi, and ITW v Dabico. Vaishali also negotiated the Nokia–Lenovo cross-license agreement. Beyond IP, she champions pro bono causes, notably securing medical aid for children with rare diseases, and has authored IPONOMICS and Origami, pioneering resources in IP practice. Thomas Schwarze (Vossius & Partner) Dr. Thomas Schwarze is a Partner at Vossius & Partner, European and German Patent Attorney, and UPC Representative. With over a decade’s experience in drafting, prosecution, opposition, invalidation and litigation, he focuses on SEPs across telecommunication, Wi‑Fi, and video coding. He led ZTE’s 5G SEP prosecution in Europe and represented OPPO in the first ever UPC SEP/FRAND cases against Panasonic. Dr. Schwarze currently represents clients in various national and UPC SEP/FRAND disputes, both on the patent holder and defendant side. |
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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? Hosts: Pearl Alcantara (AJA Law) Pearl Alcantara is a founding partner of AJA Law in the Philippines, where she leads the Intellectual Property and Corporate practice groups. She advises clients across creative, tech, entertainment, and emerging industries on trademark protection, compliance, and enforcement. Pearl is an active member of the Intellectual Property Association of the Philippines and has spoken on IP protection in new media and digital environments. Her practice blends legal and commercial insight to support brand strategy and innovation in dynamic, fast-evolving sectors. Clare Cornell (Finnegan Europe LLP) Clare Cornell is a partner in Finnegan Europe LLP’s London office. She leads Finnegan’s European trade mark group and has 25 years’ experience in the IP industry. Her practice focuses on all aspects of trade mark portfolio management. Clare also specialises in trade mark enforcement and seeking settlement of complex cross-jurisdictional IP disputes. She is a UK Chartered and European trade mark and patent attorney having qualified to practice in the UK and in Europe in both disciplines. |
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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. Hosts: David Llewelyn (David Llewelyn & Co. LLC) David Llewelyn is a practising lawyer, arbitrator and academic from Singapore. He is Managing Director of David Llewelyn & Co LLC, a Singapore law firm; sits as an arbitrator in international commercial disputes; and is Professor (Practice) in the Yong Pung How School of Law at Singapore Management University, as well as Professor of Intellectual Property Law at King’s College London. He is also an IP Adjudicator at the IP Office of Singapore. David is joint author of ‘Kerly’s Law of Trade Marks and Trade Names’ and ‘Cornish, Llewelyn & Aplin on Intellectual Property Law’, as well as ‘Modern Law of Copyright in Singapore’ (2023) and ‘Cases, Materials and Commentary on Singapore Intellectual Property Law’ (2017). Gaston Richelet (Richelet & Richelet) Gastón Richelet is a partner at Richelet & Richelet in Buenos Aires, Argentina specializing in patent and design matters. He is an Attorney at Law and Patent and Trademark Agent. He obtained an LLM from Franklin Pierce Law Center (FPLC), in New Hampshire, United States of America. He serves as the current President of the Asociación Argentina de Agentes de la Propiedad Industrial (AAAPI) – Argentine Association of Industrial Property Agents. |
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.
Download "Meet The Mentors" Flyer
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Mentor |
Short Bio |
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Greg Munt (Co-ordinating Mentor) |
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Ben Yuu |
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Catherine Lee |
https://www.bkl.co.kr/law/member/memberView.do?memberNo=10760&lang=en |
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Catherine Zheng |
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Debbie David |
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Hemant Singh |
https://www.inttladvocare.com/founder_&_managing_partner.html |
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Janini Rajeswaran |
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Jeanne Wang |
https://www.tsartsai.com.tw/team@7586e443-295c-4ee1-b934-3ec7ec80ca19?lang=en |
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Linda Wang |
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Mamta Rani Jha |
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M S Bharath |
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Shoko Tsutsui |
https://www.tsutsui-pat.com/e/about_us/attorneys.html |
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Sophie Thoreau |
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| Yvonne Lin |