The global landscape of intellectual property (IP) is undergoing rapid change, with Asia emerging as a key player in this transformation, according to Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

On August 27, 2024, speaking at the IP Week 2024 event in Singapore, which brought together policymakers, business leaders, and legal experts to discuss the latest developments in IP, Daren Tang highlighted that 70% of global patent filings now come from outside the G7 countries, with Asia making a significant contribution. Between 2017 and 2022, IP applications in the ASEAN region grew by nearly 40%, with six ASEAN countries now ranked in the top half of WIPO’s Global Innovation Index.

Edwin Tong, Singapore’s Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth, stressed the importance of collaboration within ASEAN to improve access to IP information and services. For instance, Singapore has expanded its collaboration with Laos, where expedited protection through pre-registration for Singapore-registered patents is already available. This benefit now extends to design holders, granting them swift access to the Laos market through the same process.

The Director General of the WIPO emphasized the need to view IP not just as a legal tool, but as a driver of economic growth, and development, and a means to address global challenges. Daren Tang also noted WIPO's new treaty on IP Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge, which was agreed upon by all 193 member states in May 2024. He underscored the importance of engaging with IP at the grassroots level.

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Naz SIRINUNTHAPHAPAKORN, S&O IP Southeast Asia, Senior Associate