The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) organized regional trainings for patent examiners of ASEAN countries with support by the WIPO Australian Funds-in-Trust (FIT/AU).
Phase I online training was provided on October 8, 2025, followed by Phase II on-site training hosted by the WIPO Singapore Office (WSO) from November 25 to 27, 2025.
The training programs aimed at building and strengthening capacity of patent examiners in the region so that they can handle patent applications more efficiently and effectively. Mr. Taegeun Kim and Ms. Anjali Aeri of the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) International Cooperation Division, Patents and Technology sector, WIPO organized and delivered the programs with the WSO. They were joined by speakers who are experienced examiners at IP Australia, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO).
Seventeen participants from ASEAN countries learned about the latest and future developments under the PCT, patentability requirements, examination of pharmaceutical inventions and more, with extensive case studies and on-site exercises.
The participants appreciated Australia’s financial and substantive contributions as well as the WSO’s hospitality. They also found that it was a great opportunity to exchange their experiences, discuss the challenges they face, and explore future wish lists for support from WIPO. With WIPO’s assistance, the examiners will continue to build their network so that they can help each other and grow together.
Delegates welcomed continued cooperation and patent examination trainings under WIPO’s technical assistance and capacity building programs under the PCT in the ASEAN region.