The International Trademark Association (INTA) has officially opened registration for the 2023 Annual Meeting Live+. The gathering will be the Association’s 145th Annual Meeting, featuring an in-person event at Singapore’s Sands Expo & Convention Center from May 16-20, 2023, followed by a virtual event from June 27-29, 2023. The meeting reflects the many ways in which INTA events have returned to in-person and how they have been transformed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2023 Annual Meeting Live+ builds on the successes and experiences of the past few years, with three registration types available: Live+ (a combination of in-person and virtual), In-Person Only, and Virtual Only. Registration for the Live+ and In Person meetings is now open; registration for the Virtual Only meeting will open on March 13.

“Our goal is to give the global intellectual property community the opportunity to participate in the way that makes the most sense for them,” explained INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo. “Around 7,000 brand professionals, entrepreneurs, and government officials from around the world are expected to participate in this year’s meeting – and with more than 1,000 attendees having pre-registered last year, we’re very confident about meeting this target.”

“We’re also excited to finally make our way to Singapore, after a missed the opportunity in 2020 due to the pandemic,” said Sanz de Acedo. “This iconic city will be the perfect venue for a gathering of brand professionals looking to engage with a part of the world that is newly and increasingly opening up and where innovation and technology are at the forefront, while spending time in a city known for its extraordinary culture, food, and scenery.”

The meeting is INTA’s second Annual Meeting in Asia, following its Annual Meeting in Hong Kong in 2014.

Annual Meeting co-chair Zaheera Hashim, a lawyer at Procter & Gamble in Singapore, echoed this sentiment. “It is an honour to welcome the global IP community to my home country and I am certain that everyone will have a fantastic stay. Singapore is incredibly safe, easy to navigate, and has so much to offer.”

The theme this year is The Business of Innovation and features two curated educational tracks: an IP and Innovation track and a Business track. “The educational program speaks directly to the evolving role and expanding mandate of brand professionals today,” said Annual Meeting co-chair Karina Dimidjian Lecomte, a lawyer at Casalonga in Paris. “The IP and Innovation track covers many of the core topics we expect at an Annual Meeting but also includes other pertinent issues such as corporate social responsibility and the emerging technologies shaping the future of brands.”

Within the Innovation track, there will also be various programs organized by and for government officials and sessions focused on professional development, including how to foster innovation when leading a team and how to avoid a communication faux pas in the global ecosystem that we operate in.

“On the other hand, the Business track is designed to broaden our horizons to consider such important issues as the value of intangible assets, innovation and intangible asset management, go-to-market and growth strategies, IP valuation, and IP for entrepreneurs,” noted Hashim.

New this year, the Business track programming will take place in the Innovation Marketplace (formerly called the Exhibition Hall) and will feature short and dynamic dialogues with regional business leaders. This is in addition to the approximately 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies in IP.

From more than 250 Table Topics to numerous immersive excursions around the vibrant city of Singapore, the educational program is complemented by various in-person and virtual Business Development activities.

“I couldn’t be more impressed and excited about the programming scheduled for this year’s Annual Meeting,” said INTA president Jomarie Fredericks. “There will be a terrific range of ways to engage, all of which will provide educational and networking opportunities for our wonderfully diverse community, who come from all over the world and who represent the present and future of IP.”

Registrants’ health and safety is always a top priority and an on-going focus. As of right now, all visitors are welcome to Singapore regardless of vaccination status. Fully vaccinated visitors must show only proof of vaccination and are no longer required to conduct pre-departure tests, on-arrival tests, or quarantine. However, if travelers are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, they will (1) need to show proof of negative PCR or Antigen (rapid) test administered two days before departure, and (2) ensure they have travel insurance covering COVID-19, with at least S$30,000 (US$22,300) of medical coverage. No other entry approvals, on-arrival tests, and quarantine upon arrival is required. Please check the Immigration Authority of Singapore (IAS) website for updates.

Learn more and register for the 2023 Annual Meeting Live+ at https://www.inta.org/events/2023-annual-meeting-live/

 - Asia IP