CPA Attends AIPPI Forum & Exco 2013 in Finland

On 4-11 September 2013, China Patent Agent (H.K.) Ltd. (CPA) attended the AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property) Forum & Exco 2013 held in Helsinki, Finland. Representing the firm were CPA deputy general manager Ms. Tina Tai; CPA Munich office director Mr. Deng Ming, Chemistry Department manager at CPA Beijing office Mr. Li Liantao, and Electronics & Electricity Department deputy manager Mr. Wang Hongbin.

The AIPPI Forum & Exco mainly comprised three parts:

Sessions to decide on matters related to changes in internal roles and structures of the association. Among the changes made were, discussion papers will be distributed in advance so that members may prepare for debate at the congress before voting, instead of confining the entire decision making process to Exco itself. Also, the resolution of accepting Uruguay, Central America and the Caribbean as new national/regional group members was passed.

Exco discussions and voting on IP-related questions to arrive on consensus of positions representing AIPPI on specific issues, to be presented to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and other international non-governmental organisations for their consideration. Topics discussed this year included: grace period for patents; relevant public for determining the degree of recognition of famous marks, well-known marks and marks with a reputation; term of copyright protection; and relief in IP proceedings other than injunctions or damages. CPA delegates as Exco members participated actively in this session's discussions and voting.

Forums to explore topics such as international IP practices update and comparison, pharmaceutical and chemical patents, computer software protection, patent licensing, infringement litigation, and IP management.

The event attracted the attendance of patent attorneys, law firm partners, in-house counsels, university professors and experts from around the globe, though a great percentage of them were from Europe. During the sessions CPA delegates engaged in a range of activities and exchanged views with international counterparts on current status of the industry worldwide. They also learned that many participants were interested in joining the upcoming International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting to be held in Hong Kong next year, and would like to drop by CPA head office during their stay in the territory.

Delegates from China gathered at the Exco meeting for discussions and voting of IP-related questions.