Etienne Sanz de Acedo, incoming chief executive officer of the International Trademark Association (INTA), told reporters at a press conference Monday in Dallas, Texas, that the organization and its members “need to ensure [the world’s countries] have strong trademark laws, and strong enforcement of those laws.”

Sanz de Acedo, who was speaking to reporters at INTA’s 135th Annual Meeting, noted that brand owners and trademark lawyers much remain especially vigilant in light of what he called “growing anti-IP sentiment” resulting from recent legislation such as the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA).

“We need to ensure people understand the importance of intellectual property,” he said.

Sanz de Acedo, who was named the association’s new CEO in April, is presently head of communications at the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM), will begin his role on July 1 upon Alan Drewsen’s retirement.

“Over the many years I’ve worked with the trademark community, I have experienced first-hand INTA’s influence in shaping the policies that protect brand innovation and support the economic success and viability of its members,” Sanz de Acedo said upon his appointment. “During my tenure, I will continue INTA’s legacy of focusing on our members, and I look forward to strengthening the value that brands bring to consumer choice, innovation and competition, and ensuring those brands are protected.”

Toe Su Aung, INTA president and general counsel, anti-illicit trade, at BATMark Limited, a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, told reporters that the association has been making inroads in Asia, with multiple policy trips to China and Southeast Asia during her term. “This sets up well for next year’s annual meeting in Hong Kong,” she said. “There has been a lot of international activity at INTA; our global footprint has expanded significantly. It would not have been possible without Alan Drewsen.”

See Toe Su Aung – Global Citizen in the April 2013 issue of Asia IP.