Activities

As a beneficiary-driven project, SCOPE IPR is designed to address the specific needs of ASEAN Member States (AMS). Building on the groundwork laid by previous projects, such as ARISE+ IPR and the ECAP III Phase II. As the SCOPE IPR implementing agency, the EUIPO has collaborated closely with the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) to formulate the implementation strategy. This ensures that the priorities of the region are fully integrated into the project’s activities, making it relevant and impactful.

The ARISE+ IPR project’s final evaluation identified several critical intellectual property (IP) challenges that are being addressed under SCOPE IPR. Essential for the further development and protection of IP in the region, these cross-cutting issues include:

• capacity building for IP administration and enforcement authorities;
• enhancing IP legal and regulatory frameworks;
• improving IP registration procedures;
• increased utilisation of IP from the business community;
• awareness and education on the risks of counterfeiting and piracy.

The Annual Work Plan 1 (AWP1) for 2024-2025 is the product of extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including AMS and the ASEAN Secretariat. These discussions have helped define the region’s most pressing needs and priorities while ensuring alignment with the ongoing 2016-2025 ASEAN IPR Action Plan. This process has guided the AWP1 structuring to address the AMS’ expressed needs and requirements, ensuring that the plan is not only comprehensive but also highly targeted towards achieving tangible results.

Focus Areas of AWP1

The AWP1 consists of 17 key activities designed to drive progress towards the SCOPE IPR project’s four expected results. These activities aim to reinforce IP protection across the ASEAN region, particularly through capacity building, awareness campaigns and strategic planning for the future. Below are the key focus areas.

1. Capacity building for IP offices and enforcement authorities: 11 activities will focus on increasing the technical capacity of IP offices and enforcement authorities across the region. This involves providing specialised training, sharing best practices and upgrading technical tools to help AMS better manage IP registration, administration and enforcement.
   Activities will also include workshops and seminars aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of IP professionals, ensuring alignment with global IP trends and innovations.
2. Awareness raising: three activities will centre on raising awareness within the ASEAN region about the importance of IP protection, particularly among businesses and the public. This includes addressing the significant issue of counterfeiting and piracy by educating the public and businesses on how to safeguard their products, ideas and innovations.
   Outreach campaigns will aim to encourage businesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to utilise IP to drive innovation and protect their assets.
3. Strategic IP development in ASEAN countries: two activities will be dedicated to discussing and shaping the future of IP strategy in the ASEAN region. This will involve consultations with key stakeholders to define long-term goals and strategies that align with global standards while reflecting the region’s unique needs.
   This strategic development will help create a sustainable framework for IP growth in the ASEAN region beyond 2028.
4. International treaties: one activity will focus on the alignment with and ratification of international treaties related to IP protection. This is crucial for harmonising ASEAN’s IP regulations with global standards, ensuring the region remains competitive in international trade and innovation.
   By working towards the ratification of key international IP treaties, ASEAN will further strengthen its legal framework, providing greater security and confidence for businesses operating within and across the region.

Expected Results of 2024-2025 AWP1

Through the implementation of these 17 activities, AWP1 is designed to deliver the following results.

1. 1. Enhanced IP administrative capacity: IP offices and enforcement bodies will have improved technical capabilities to manage IP issues effectively, leading to better IP rights regulation, enforcement and administration.
2. 2. Stronger IP legal frameworks: national IP laws will be brought closer to international standards, creating a more harmonised legal landscape across ASEAN countries and improving protection for businesses and innovators.
3. 3. Increased awareness and utilisation of IP: usinesses, particularly SMEs, will have a stronger understanding of how to use IP strategically to enhance competitiveness and protect their innovations. The public will also be more informed about the dangers of counterfeiting and piracy.
4. 4. Strategic planning for future IP development: ASEAN will have a clear path forward for future IP initiatives, ensuring continued progress and sustainability in protecting IP.

The AWP1 represents a critical phase in the SCOPE IPR implementation, which will ensure ASEAN continues to strengthen its IP frameworks, benefiting the region’s economies, innovators and businesses.