South-East Asia

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.

As the IP Key SEA Action is designed to facilitate FTA negotiations and IP Dialogues, the project will provide technical expertise and assistance geared towards strengthening knowledge-based policy making in SEA countries through the conduct of IP studies and other forms of assistance as may be needed. This activity would cover initiatives identified with FTA partner countries in SEA, such as reports, studies, seminars, or meetings, among others, which could be useful in ensuring positive results from the negotiations and dialogues.

The EU-funded project, IP Key South-East Asia, (IP Key SEA) implemented its first, second, and third Annual Work Plans in 2018, 2019, and 2020 respectively. In January 2021, IP Key SEA launched its fourth Annual Work Plan to assist Southeast Asian countries in addressing IP-related challenges and support these countries in developing IP regulations to align with international standards.