On 30 June and 1 July 2021, IP Key South-East Asia (SEA) Project hosted a ‘Workshop on IPR Customs Enforcement: Risk Indicators, Trends and Issues in SEA.’ This activity sought to contribute to improving the capacities of IP and customs authorities in the SEA countries, and to raise awareness about the latest modus operandi and methods adopted by infringers in the cross-border trafficking of goods.

Following the conclusion of FTAs with Singapore and Vietnam, the IP Key SEA action provided support and assistance for the implementation of the IPR-related commitments undertaken by the SEA countries. To define specific activities, the relevant government agencies and stakeholders were consulted. Indicative activities included studies, seminars, and peer-to-peer meetings to identify the needs of SEA countries and facilitate the implementation of their FTA commitments.

The Thailand Workshop on Customs Enforcement of IPRs took place on 21 and 22 September 2021. It aimed to facilitate technical discussions and an exchange of best practices between EU experts and Thai IP and customs authorities on possible solutions to address legal and administrative challenges related to IPR customs enforcement.

IP Key SEA supports the integration of SEA IP Offices in the EUIPO global databases, which ensure that information on trade marks (TMview) and industrial designs (DesignView) is accessible and updated for the benefit of EU and other IP stakeholders worldwide. The countries targeted for integration are Indonesia (TMview and DesignView), Malaysia (DesignView), Singapore (TMview and DesignView), Thailand (DesignView), and Viet Nam (TMview and DesignView).

IP Key SEA will assess the feasibility of integrating Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam into TMclass and will entail technical coordination with these countries in the integration process. The integration of these SEA countries in TMclass will ensure consistency in the classification of goods and services and contribute to expediting the process, quality and predictability of examination.

As a follow-up initiative to the support provided by IP Key SEA on the drafting of trade mark guidelines, a ‘Training on Viet Nam's Trade Mark Examination Guidelines’ will be organised on 25 February 2022 to clarify any queries the users may have regarding the guidelines. The training sessions will also ensure that there is a consistent interpretation and application of the guidelines.

To further support the development of the plant variety rights (PVR) protection systems in the SEA countries, IP Key SEA will provide the pilot project with the support it needs to be able to create a regional platform that would reduce the administrative burden for breeders when applying for protection for their PVRs. Furthermore, it would improve the registration procedures in the participating countries.

IP Key SEA will continue the cooperation and engagement between the Indonesia patent authorities and their EU trade and patent counterparts, in order to continue the discussions and provide technical support in order to ensure continued market access for innovative technologies and inventions in Indonesia. Through the meetings, EU experts will provide technical expertise in terms of compliance with the minimum standards of the TRIPS agreement, as well as share EU best practices in determining the patentability of new technologies and related subject matter.

Geographical Indications (GIs) constitute a genuine interest for both producers and consumers as they unlock value by capitalising on the diversity and quality of products. By denoting origin and quality, GIs have potentially positive implications for generating livelihood and income especially for small local producers. The promotion of rural development, generation of employment opportunities, and the creation of new industries are also among the benefits that have been associated with an effective GI protection system.

Following the conclusion of Free Trade Agreements with Singapore and Viet Nam, the IP Key SEA Action will provide support and assistance in implementing the IPR-related commitments undertaken by the SEA countries. To define specific activities, consultations will be conducted with the relevant government agencies and stakeholders. Indicative activities include studies, seminars, and peer-to-peer meetings that would identify the needs of SEA countries and facilitate the implementation of their FTA commitments.