The 15th Annual Intellectual Property Conference unfolded its intellectual splendor on the 28th and 29th of July 2023 at The Chinese University of Hong Kong – Graduate Law Centre. Asia Innovation and IP Society Limited (AIIPS) was again very proud and honoured to be the co-host of this annual gathering, which stood as a testament to the convergence of minds in the realm of innovation and intellectual property.
This year's overarching theme, "Navigating Innovation and IP Amid Global Turbulence," resonated across the event, setting the stage for a profound exploration of the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of intellectual property. To kick off the intellectual festivities, a pre-conference workshop on pertinent topics took place on 27 July 2023.
The inaugural day featured a keynote address of exceptional caliber by Professor Peter Yu, delving into the intricate intersection of“AI, Autonomous Creation and the Future Path of Copyright Law”. The audience responded with warm applause, and the ensuing dialogues and explorations sparked by the speech added layers of fascination to the discourse.
Mr. Johnson Lam, the president of AIIPS, skillfully facilitated a session titled "Business of IP Licensing." The trio of speakers—Mr. Simon Ho, Mr. Alan Poon, and Ms. Candy Lam—dove into discussions on brand, patent, and music licensing, respectively. The vivid exchange of ideas and the sharing of invaluable experiences not only kept the speakers on their toes but also enriched the session with a plethora of questions from the engaged audience.
True to tradition, the two-day affair covered an expansive spectrum of IP topics, ranging from cutting-edge subjects like ChatGPT and NFTs to profound explorations of patent-related life sciences and quantitative medicine. Updates on traditional topics, including laws of trademarks, unfair competition, and copyright, were complemented by commercial-focused discussions on IP commercialization, IP-based business models, and financing in this age of turbulence.
In his concluding remarks, Johnson Lam astutely observed the prominence of commercial-related topics in this year's conference, underscoring the pivotal role of finances in navigating turbulent times. He emphasized the strategic development of technologies and IP to serve as conduits for generating income streams that can guide businesses through uncertainties.
A heartfelt acknowledgment was extended to The Chinese University for providing a modern and fantastic venue for the event. Special gratitude was reserved for Professor Lee Jyh-An, whose dedicated efforts and resource bundling contributed significantly to the success of the conference. Mr. Frank Lam is well-deserved for a big round of applause for his adept handling of administrative matters and addressing unforeseen challenges.
The spotlight, however, shone brightest on Dr. Kit Chan, the soul of the event for the past 15 years. Dr. Chan's blend of humor, intelligence, and generous sharing, coupled with the delightful dinners he orchestrated, consistently captured the participants' attention. As the curtains fell on this intellectual extravaganza, anticipation already lingered for the next summer.