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Synopsis
With a population of more than 680 million and a combined economy of approximately US$3.9 trillion, South-East Asia presents significant growth opportunities for European businesses. Singapore’s established business environment, regional connectivity and strong intellectual property framework also make it an important gateway for companies seeking to enter and expand across the region.
However, entering a new market also presents risks to a company’s brands, products and innovations. Intellectual property rights are territorial, and many South-East Asian markets operate on a first-to-file basis. Companies that do not conduct the necessary due diligence or secure protection early may face conflicting third-party rights, copycat products, counterfeiting or the unauthorised use of their brands. Addressing these issues after market entry can be costly, time-consuming and disruptive.
Jointly organised by EuroCham Singapore, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Singapore and the SEA IP SME Helpdesk (an initiative of the European Commission providing free intellectual property support to European SMEs in South-East Asia) this webinar will highlight the importance of making brand protection a core component of a company’s market-entry strategy from the outset.
Combining practical market-entry guidance, first-hand industry experience and specialist intellectual property expertise, the session will:
- Explain why intellectual property protection should be considered before entering a new market;
- Highlight key market-entry, commercial and intellectual property considerations for businesses using Singapore as a gateway to South-East Asia;
- Share a first-hand industry perspective on navigating the market-entry process;
- Provide an overview of trade mark registration procedures in Singapore and the wider region; and
- Outline the enforcement options available when a brand or product faces copycat activity or infringement.
The webinar is designed for European SMEs, start-ups and entrepreneurs that are considering entering, or are already operating in, Singapore and South-East Asia. It will also be relevant to European business associations, bilateral chambers of commerce, trade and commercial representatives, and other stakeholders supporting European companies’ international expansion
Programme
04.00pm Welcome Remarks by Ms Carolina Tranjan, Advocacy Manager at EuroCham Singapore
04.05 pm Keynote Presentation by Mr Patrice Lo Min Chung, Managing Director, Head of South Asia and Australasia, TMF Group
04.20 pm Keynote Presentation by Mr Max Ng, Managing Director, Gateway Law and Gateway IP Services
04.35 pm Live Q&A
05.00 pm End of event
Speakers
Max Ng
Managing Director, Advocate & Solicitor
External Expert of the SEA IP SME Helpdesk
Gateway Law Corporation
Max is the Managing Director of Gateway Law and Gateway IP Services, a boutique intellectual property (“IP”) and technology law practice, headquartered in Singapore with offices and associates in the region including Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Max’s practice revolves around patents and trade marks and other IP litigation and enforcement actions. Max also has expertise in licensing, franchising, technology and telecommunications law. Max has appeared before the Singapore High Court in numerous IP cases, and is also listed as a leading lawyer in publications such as Legal Who’s Who, AsiaLaw Leading Lawyers, Asia Pacific Legal 500, Chambers Asia, Legal Who’s Who Singapore, and The International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers.
Max is the lead author of the book “Intellectual Property”, and has regularly counselled and advised numerous clients ranging from start-ups to multinationals to listed corporations and tertiary institutions on protecting, enforcing and commercialising their intellectual property.
Max is also a Registered Patent Agent and has often been invited to speak on legal, intellectual property and technology law-related topics. He also occasionally renders his services by judging at competitions and providing legal guidance pro bono at various entrepreneurship forums.
Mr Patrice Lo Min Chung
Managing Director
Head of South Asia and Australasia
TMF Group
Patrice leads the South Asia and Australasia Market with direct accountability over the performance of the business, its growth, strategy and operational readiness spanning across Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. He has been with TMF Group since February 2020.
With more than 22 years of experience in the financial and professional services arena, Patrice’s career was marked by dynamic leadership and global perspective. Beginning his journey at one of the Big Four accounting firms in Singapore, he swiftly transitioned into the evolving space of fund services. There, he steered top-tier fund administration firms, leading large, multi-national teams and managing complex, cross-border client portfolios across Singapore and beyond—including a transformative three-year tenure in Toronto.
Patrice holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the National University of Singapore, with a major in Finance. He hails from the small republic of Mauritius and is fluent in English and French.
REGISTER HERE FOR THE WEBINAR
