IPOS appoints IP adjudicators to advance development as a global IP dispute resolution hub
15 April 2020
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore has announced the appointments of five distinguished legal and IP professionals to its panel of IP adjudicators, to hear IP disputes at IPOS, bringing the panel to a total of seven members. These appointments were effective April 1, 2020 for a term of two years.
The IP adjudicators bring diverse experience to the panel, allowing disputing parties the opportunity to have their cases heard by legal experts with valuable commercial, legal and academic expertise and perspectives. Past IP adjudicators have in turn found the experience helpful, as the role allows them to gain insights to better act for their clients.
IPOS panel of IP adjudicators 2020
Of the seven-member panel, three members were reappointed:
• Cheng Pei Feng, senior assistant registrar, Supreme Court of Singapore
• David Llewelyn, professor of law (practice), school of law, Singapore Management University
• Burton Ong, associate professor, faculty of law, National University of Singapore
Two new appointees with vast private sector experience will join the panel:
• Adrian Tan, partner, TSMP Law Corporation
• Sheik Umar Bin Mohamed Bagushair, district judge, State Courts of Singapore
The panel also comprises two IP adjudicators who have completed one year out of their two year term:
• Jason Chan, director, litigation and enforcement Group, Amica Law
• Tony Yeo, managing director, IP, Drew & Napier
Adrian Tan, a 29-year veteran recognized for his litigation work in technology, IP, real estate and shareholder disputes, said that “Singapore is fast becoming a role model for other jurisdictions when it comes to innovative ways to resolve disputes. Businesses will benefit greatly from having their intellectual property disputes resolved by trained and experienced IP adjudicators, in an environment that is efficient and transparent.”
Prior to his appointment to the bench, district judge Sheik Umar Bin Mohamed Bagushir spent 12 years in private practice at some of the top law firms in Singapore including Allen & Gledhill, Rajah & Tann Asia and Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow, where he handled arbitration, building and construction, oil & gas, probate, IP and IT disputes.
The panel of IP adjudicators will support Singapore’s efforts in maintaining its leading position as Asia’s IP hub, particularly as companies look to Singapore as an important venue for complex IP dispute resolution.
IPOS also extends its appreciation to the following members for their service and contributions. They stepped down upon completion of their term on Mar 31, 2020.
• Lam Chung Nian, partner, head, IP, technology & media, telecommunications & data protection practices, WongPartnership.
• Lee Li Choon, district judge, State Courts of Singapore.
Johnny Chan
