ASEAN Strengthens Intellectual Property Cooperation
Đà Nẵng, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Science and Technology’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of Việt Nam is hosting the 72nd meeting of the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) and related meetings in the central city of Đà Nẵng from April 22 to 26.
Key discussions during the meeting revolve around ASEAN’s action plan on intellectual property (IP) for the 2016-2025 period, as well as cooperation in the field within ASEAN member states and with partners such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the European Patent Office (EPO), and the Japan Patent Office (JPO).
In his address at the opening ceremony, IPO Director Lưu Hoàng Long expressed optimism about ASEAN’s potential to become a creative and competitive region globally. He highlighted the significant role of AWGIPC in implementing ASEAN’s action plans on IP to achieve the bloc’s IP targets outlined in the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint.
Long also expressed confidence in ASEAN’s ability to effectively implement its action plan for the period 2026-2025 and to develop a post-2025 strategy.
Timor Leste’s participation as an observer at the meeting was welcomed by Director Long, who encouraged the country to actively engage in AWGIPC activities and contribute to the development of the region’s IP system and integration.
AWGIPC Chairman Xaysomphet Norasingh underscored the need for ASEAN to address challenges and seize opportunities, emphasizing the importance of building IP capacity among member states to enhance the regional IP system.
Parallel events taking place alongside the meeting include the 15th meeting of the IP Committee of the ASEAN – Australia – New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and a ceremony commemorating World IP Day on April 26.
Established on the basis of a framework agreement on IP cooperation adopted at the 5th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok in 1995, AWGIPC has been instrumental in coordinating and implementing ASEAN’s IP cooperative activities. To date, it has completed 81 percent of the initiatives and activities outlined in ASEAN’s action plan for 2016-2025, reaffirming the bloc’s pivotal role in IP cooperation with international organizations and partners.
