WSO Delivers First In-person National Seminar since the Pandemic

In partnership with two excellent partners, the Vietnam IP Association (VIPA) and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the WIPO Singapore Office proudly delivered two seminars (one in Hanoi and one in Ho Chi Minh City) on “Protection and Management of IP Assets for Vietnamese Enterprises in the 4.0 Era”. These two events were the first national seminars the WSO has had the pleasure of organizing since 2019!

Each seminar was a “sell out” that saw over 100 participants attend each event. The audience was an interesting blend of micro and small business owners along with IP professionals. This led to diverse questions in the Q&A session and in discussions during breaks, on topics such as costs, the way IP can be used to leverage finance and how to subsequently designate under the Madrid System.

Each program featured expert presentations from VCCI, the IP Office of Vietnam, local IP lawyers, and leading entities such as Alibaba, the Viettel Group, PWC Vietnam and local innovation success story Doctor Loan.

Dr. Phạm Thị Kim Loan founded the business Doctor Loan which specializes in spinal care and treatment. Based on her research, the company now has an impressive IP portfolio consisting of 250 granted patents and utility models, 43 design patents and 5 trademarks. The company has helped thousands of people live a better life by improving their spinal health. It was a terrific example of home grown innovation using IP as a basis of their success.

In his presentations, Mr. Willimott of the WSO explained some of the key benefits the Madrid System provides users such as saving applicants time and money whilst providing flexibility to expand the geographic coverage of their rights if required. In his second topic, he highlighted some of the online tools WIPO has made available to help SMEs and IP Professionals alike to better protect and exploit IP rights. Specifically he showcased the Global Brand Database, the Madrid Fee calculator, WIPO IP Diagnostics and courses available through the WIPO Academy.

As the ASEAN region slowly starts to return to pre-pandemic life, the WSO looks forward to working with other stakeholders to collaborate on joint activities and projects to help SMEs, women and youth use the IP system to their advantage.