In today’s increasingly globalised and competitive knowledge-based economy, companies value intellectual property (IP) not simply as legal rights but also important business assets.  IP is playing a bigger role in business strategies, as companies look for an edge over their competitors.

The creation, management and protection of intellectual assets and related rights have moved to the top of national, regional and global agendas over the last 20 years.  Today, IP has become a key driver of global economic growth.  The Singapore Government has also identified IP as a new growth area for Singapore and is on a mission to develop the country as an IP hub with vibrant IP industries.

It is against this backdrop that SMU launched the new Applied Research Centre for Intellectual Assets and the Law in Asia (ARCIALA) on 25 May 2015.  Helming the new Centre as its Director is SMU Professor of Law Liu Kung-Chung; the Centre’s Deputy Director is SMU Professor of Law Irene Calboli.

Set to be the first IP research centre in the region with a multi-disciplinary and Asian emphasis, ARCIALA will conduct applied research on developments in the IP scene in Asia and beyond.  It will engage in research projects in areas of practical importance, as well as promote interest, research and cooperation in intellectual assets and the law in Asian economies.

The launch event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Ms Indranee Rajah, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Law and Education.  In her address, Ms Rajah said that the launch of the new Centre is ‘a timely endeavour as it will facilitate research on the multiple facets of IP , with a view to develop a progressive and forward-looking approach in the way IP is perceived and managed, particularly in the Asian region.’

[Photo: Guest-of-Honour Ms Indranee Rajah delivering her opening address at the launch of the new IP centre.]

“ARCIALA will be able to bring together multiple disciplines – for example, economics, law, business and technology.  It will also be able to tap on the network of IP practitioners, lawyers and innovative companies in Singapore to create a rich discourse.  ARCIALA will complement the existing IP research ecosystem in Singapore with its strong vision of multi-disciplinary research rooted in Asia.”

“Despite the economic progress and growing influence of Asia, there is not enough Asian-focused intellectual property research and literature.  Asian society is not only distinct from the West in culture and values; it is also far from homogenous. Countries vary greatly in language, demography, development, legal systems and governance.  All these make for fertile ground for research, which ARCIALA is well-positioned to undertake,” she added.

The new Centre will survey and measure the IP and innovation landscape in Singapore and Asia, starting with leading cases within and outside Singapore.  It will also organise talks and seminars to update the community and provide new insights to practitioners and decision-makers in the public and business sectors.

SMU students (not limiting to those studying law) also stand to benefit as the Centre will provide new IP-related courses with a cross-disciplinary perspective.  The Centre also hopes to nurture young Asian IP scholars.

[Photo: Professor Yeo delivering his welcome address at the launch seminar.]

On the launch, Dean of SMU School of Law, Professor Yeo Tiong Min, said that the new Centre gives the SMU School of Law the opportunity to leverage its strong academic expertise in IP law and play a part in furthering the understanding, co-operation and potential harmonisation of IP regimes in the region.

“With this Centre, we aim to provide a platform for research and dialogue across disciplines, sectors and countries, to better understand the dynamics of unlocking value in intellectual assets, especially in Asia.  In doing so, we will contribute to the strengthening of Singapore’s international status as a vibrant IP hub, and to the standing of Singapore as a thought leader in this field,” he said.

[Photo: Professor Liu sharing his insights with the media at the launch seminar.]

Professor Liu said, “Asia has rapidly become not just the factory of the world but also the globe’s growth engine and biggest market.  Its importance is however underestimated by Asian themselves. It is no less so in terms of IP law and industry in Asia.  It is the most opportune timing for SMU to set up an IP research centre that puts Asia at the focal point.  The ARCIALA will embark on and excel in promoting the Asian awareness, mutual understanding and cooperation among Asians, as well as Asian innovation renaissance.”

[Featured Photo: Ms Indranee Rajah, Senior Minister of State Indranee Rajah was the Guest-of-Honour at the launch of the new Applied Research Centre for Intellectual Assets and the Law in Asia.]