On September 3, 2024, the Intellectual Property Offices of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States and Japan held the 14th Japan-ASEAN Heads of IP Offices Meeting in Brunei. This annual gathering fosters cooperation on intellectual property issues between Japan and ASEAN countries, aiming to enhance collaboration and drive innovation.

The Japan-ASEAN Joint Statement on IP 2024 was adopted at the meeting, focusing on improving IP systems, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and advancing digital transformation. The FY2024-2025 Japan-ASEAN IP Rights Action Plan was also approved, outlining specific steps like capacity-building programs and joint initiatives to raise IP awareness.

The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) presented interim reports on ongoing research, including branding strategies implemented in cooperation with ASEAN countries and patent examinations in the pharmaceutical sector. In addition, bilateral meetings were held between Japan and IP offices from Thailand and the Philippines, reaffirming their commitment to further cooperation.

The 14th Japan-ASEAN Heads of IP Offices Meeting meeting emphasized the ongoing collaboration between Japan and ASEAN, promoting a more harmonized IP system to support innovation and economic growth across the region.

If you have any inquiries regarding intellectual property matters, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Hau Nguyen

Vice Director

[email protected]

+84 28 73 009 678