The ASEAN IP Register Services workshop on “Gearing Towards a Data-driven IP Strategy in Business” was conducted on February 20 (for the enablers) and February 21 (for the end users).
In an age where data is a powerful asset, the strategic use of IP data and analytics can unlock new opportunities for economic growth, technological advancement, and societal progress. By leveraging on IP data, informed policies can be crafted to foster innovation and protect intellectual property rights. Universities can also leverage on IP data to enhance their research capabilities, identify white spaces and contribute to the knowledge economy. Businesses will be able to make informed decisions for their business strategic planning.
The workshop, held in collaboration with Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce (DIP), Thailand and assisted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), aimed to educate and familiarize the enablers and end users in using the ASEAN IP Register to access the wealth of regional IP data from ASEAN, gain insights from IP experts on data-driven IP management, and network with other innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
The workshop began on February 20, 2025, with great enthusiasm, marked by the Assistant Director General (International Expert), Ms Chiyawan Chongvatana opening remarks. In Ms Chiyawan Chongvatana’s opening remarks, she emphasized the importance of IP information in “helping entrepreneurs verify whether the products or technologies they are developing have already been registered and protected. This knowledge minimizes the risk of accidentally violating others' rights, facilitates the evaluation of market entry opportunities, and supports the formulation of effective IP strategies”. Ms Thitapha Wattanapruttipaisan, Director, World Intellectual Property Organization, Singapore Office (WSO), echoed the importance of leveraging on data for strategic decisions in the new digital economy.
On both days, the workshops began with an introduction to ASEAN IP Register by Dr. Jang Juneho, Head of Global Relationship Management Section, IP Office Business Solutions Division, WIPO followed by a detailed walkthrough of the ASEAN IP Register Data Services and functions using actual case studies to conduct the search by Mr Kyaw Zaw, Senior Project Manager, IP Office Business Solutions Division and co-assisted by Prof Apinya Bunditwuthisagul, Law Lecturer, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Following which, the participants were grouped into different groups to work on a simulation exercise and using the ASEAN IP Register to arrive at their branding and trademark protection strategies. All the participants were able to come up with interesting and appropriate branding and IP protection strategies using the search results extracted from the ASEAN IP Register. The participants exhibited high levels of engagement and enthusiasm leading to a highly engaging and productive session.
Ms Esther Loh, Counsellor, of WSO, jointly presented with Dr. Arrada Mahamitra, Dean of Graduate School, Lecturer, Business School, UTCC and Dr. Pantitra Putamanonda, Director of Operation, Habour.Space@UTCC, on the IP landscape of the Food & Beverage industry (in collaboration with Clarivate). The analysis provided interesting insights into the patent and trademark filings within Thailand. Through analysis of their IP portfolio, the strategies and expansion plans of selected Thai companies were also examined and discussed. Leading industry players in the Thai F&B industry leverages on the rich historical value of their historical brands and capture the value through their sub-brands and/or sub variants of their products.
At both workshops, the enablers (including universities, government agencies and law firms) as well the end users (including businesses and startups) provided very good feedback and both groups exhibited enhanced knowledge of using IP data for their strategic planning and innovation efforts.
The workshops ended on a high note as participants look forward to the upcoming extension services of the ASEAN IP Register.
