The EUIPO and ASEAN Strengthen Cooperation at 2nd SCOPE IPR Project Steering Committee Meeting

The 2nd Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting of the SCOPE IPR Project took place on 6 May 2025 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, as part of the 75th Meeting of the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC). The meeting brought together representatives from the ASEAN Member States (AMSs), the ASEAN Secretariat, and the European Union. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Xaysomphet Norasingh (AWGIPC Chair), and Mr. Tiago Guerreiro (EUIPO).

The meeting reviewed the implementation progress of Annual Work Plan 1 (AWP1) and introduced the proposed Annual Work Plan 2 (AWP2), presented by the SCOPE IPR project leader Mr. Gonzalo Bilbao. The AMSs expressed strong support for the EU’s continued collaboration in advancing the intellectual property (IP) framework across the region. Delegations shared constructive feedback on key priority areas under AWP2, including trade marks, geographical indications, IP valuation, mediation, enforcement in the digital space, and IP support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Several AMSs also emphasised the importance of IP in promoting local economic development and innovation, as well as the role of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in streamlining IP administration.

Following the discussions, the AWGIPC endorsed AWP2 (2025–2026) for implementation. The EUIPO acknowledged the valuable input from ASEAN counterparts and reaffirmed its commitment to incorporating AMS feedback into the next phase of the SCOPE IPR Project. The meeting reaffirmed the strong EU-ASEAN partnership in fostering an inclusive and innovation-driven IP environment in the region.