Partner C. K. Kwong’s visit to WIPO, Geneva

Following his becoming the 10th President of the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (“APAA”) through an open election, our partner Mr. C.K. Kwong visited the World Intellectual Property Organization (“WIPO”) from 20 to 23 January. The APAA now has over 2,300 members from 24 jurisdictions in Asia. WIPO is headquartered in Geneva and is one of the 17 specialized agencies of the United Nations. WIPO currently has 185 members States and administers 24 international treaties. Mr. Kwong was met by Director General of WIPO, Dr. Francis Gurry. Matters concerning the possible cooperation between WIPO and APAA were discussed. The plans of the APAA Academy were discussed with Mr. Yo Takagi (Assistant Director General) and Ms. Carlotta Graffigna (Executive Director of WIPO Academy) followed by another meeting with Mr. James Pooley (Deputy Director General). Mr. Kwong also visited the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center and was met by Mr. Erik Wilbers (Director) and Mr. Ignacio Decastro (Deputy Director) [see Photos].

On the same trip to Geneva, Mr. Kwong represented the APAA to participate in the Global Technology Impact Forum (GTIF) organized by the Licensing Executives Society International (LESI) and met with their office bearers (Immediate Past President James E. Malackowski, Current President Chris J. Katopis and President Elect Yvonne Chua) and took part in their discussions. There is a movement to promote and facilitate development of a network and system for advancing mankind through the use of IP licensing and technology transfer. Special emphasis was placed on humanitarian technology transfer.