Reflections on the 2025 ASEAN IPA Annual General Meeting & Conference with the theme “Enforcement of IP in the Digital Era - Challenges and Emerging Trends” in Siem Reap, Cambodia

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The ASEAN IPA Council Meeting in the afternoon of 14 February

The 2025 Annual General Meeting & Conference of the ASEAN Intellectual Property Association (ASEAN IPA), held in the historic city of Siem Reap from February 14 to 15, marked a significant milestone for intellectual property (IP) professionals across Southeast Asia and beyond. With around 280 participants from 23 countries, including the Director of IP Department of Cambodia, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Post, Telecommunication, the President of IP Association of Cambodia, and the representatives from sister organizations such as WIPO, APAA Headquarter, FICPI, AIPPI Headquarter, INTA, CIPSA, APAA Japan Group, APAA Korea Group, AIPPI China Group, JPAA, TWPAA, the event underscored ASEAN’s growing influence in addressing IP challenges in the digital age and its dedication to fostering regional collaboration.

Ahead of the conference sessions, the ASEAN IPA Council Meeting took place in the afternoon of February 14, where ASEAN IPA council members discussed the association’s activities, tasks, and future plans. This was followed by the Annual General Meeting, which marked an important leadership transition.

At the end of the Annual General Meeting, the outgoing president, Mr. Pham Nghiem Xuan Bac (2023–2025), delivered his final address, emphasizing the importance of ASEAN solidarity in a world facing numerous challenges from 2025 onwards.

In his inaugural speech, Mr. Phin Sovath, the newly elected president of ASEAN IPA (2025–2027), expressed his commitment to raising the association’s influence on both regional and global stages. He highlighted ASEAN IPA’s important role in promoting IP rights and cooperation, acknowledging that the challenges are complex and that ASEAN IPA will continue to adapt.

Following this, the ASEAN IPA annual conference took place on February 15, under the theme “Enforcement of Intellectual Property in the Digital Era – Challenges and Emerging Trends.” Experts, industry leaders, and participants explored topics such as (1) Cross-border IP issues on enforcement in the digital space, discussing the complexities and solutions for enforcing IP across global online platforms and sharing strategies for a more interconnected world, (2) E-commerce and IP enforcement strategies, addressing counterfeiting, piracy, and other digital threats and emphasizing proactive enforcement and industry collaboration to protect and enforce IP rights in e-commerce; (3) Cybersecurity and IP protection, examining the intersection of cybersecurity and IP and focusing on protection mechanisms in the digital age; and (4) Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for IP, showcasing how ADR methods like mediation and arbitration are emerging as viable options for IP disputes. The conference materials can be found at https://www.aseanipa.org/index.php/events/asean-ipa/746-the-2025-asean-ipa-annual-general-meeting-conference.

Beyond insightful discussions, the ASEAN IPA Annual General Meeting & Conference also provide valuable opportunities for networking and cultural exchange, further strengthening regional IP collaboration. Looking ahead, ASEAN IPA remains committed to addressing hot topics, emerging challenges, and trends in the IP field. The 2026 ASEAN IPA Annual General Meeting & Conference is currently scheduled to be held in Thailand.

The 27th ASEAN IPA Annual General Meeting in the afternoon of 14 February

Mr. Pham Nghiem Xuan Bac, the outgoing President of ASEAN IPA (2023-2025),
delivering a farewell speech at the Annual General Meeting

Mr. Sovath Phin, the incoming President of ASEAN IPA (2025-2027),
delivering an inaugural speech at the Annual General Meeting

Conference Session 1: Cross-Border IP Issues on Enforcement in the Digital Space,
in the morning of 15 February

Conference Session 2: E-Commerce and IP Enforcement Strategies,
in the morning of 15 February

Conference Session 3: Cybersecurity and IP Protection, in the afternoon of 15 February

Conference Session 4: ADR – Mediation and Arbitration for IP, in the afternoon of 15 February