International Forum to Explore IP Trading Opportunities

For Immediate Release:

Business of IP Asia Forum to be Held on Friday

International Forum to Explore IP Trading Opportunities

28 November 2011 –TheBusiness of IP Asia Forum,bringing intellectual property professionals and government officials together to discuss the latest developments in Asia’s IP market, will take place 2 December, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Design Centre, with the support from the Intellectual Property Department of HKSAR Government, the event will also help companies explore new IP business opportunities.

“Growing globalisation of IP trading activities and increasing IP supply and demand in Asia have induced a greater need for regional IP intermediaries,”said HKTDC Assistant Executive Director Raymond Yip,adding that Hong Kong offers the best opportunities for IP trading in the region.“Hong Kong’s multiple roles as anIP middleman, regional IP manager and services hub will continue to evolve and expand,” he said.

New Economic Driver

Intellectual property is becoming a new driver for global economic development. The upgrading of theChinese mainland’s industrialsector has led to significant demand for overseas IP. This development is set to continue given China’s12th Five-Year Programme, with its emphasis on technology. Overseas companies from mature markets such as the United States and Japan are also expanding their businesses through the buying and sellingof IP.

The IP Advantage

Mr Yip said SMEs would do well to embrace IP opportunities. “To enhance competitiveness in the long run, SMEs have to transform themselves through product or service differentiation by making use of available IP in the market, as well as identifying suitable brand-building strategies,” he said.

“BIP Asia will help participants explore new business opportunities through discussion sessions, networking and business-matching services,” he added. “It will encourage companies to ride on Hong Kong’s comparative advantages in R&D, the creative industries, trading and business-related services, and explore further Asia’s vast IP opportunities via Hong Kong.”

Forum highlights include a plenary session on technology and the latest trends in IP trading, as well as IP trading on the mainland. Panel discussions spotlight IP portfolio management, the growth of the IP business in Asia, and the role of design in intellectual property protection. Thematic workshops will coverIPprotection, valuation, training and education, and arbitration.

Renowned Speakers

BIP Asia participants will hear from -20 prominent speakers, including:Hewlett-Packard

Director, Patent Sales Group, Intellectual Property Licensing,Dr Tao Zhang;Microsoft

Corporation Outbound Licensing, Corporate Intellectual Property &Licensing, Simmone Misra;

and Intellectual VenturesSenior Vice President, Licensing, Dr DonMerino. Dr Mao Jinsheng, Director-General, Intellectual Property Development & Research Centre, in the mainland’s State IP Office, will deliver the keynote luncheon.

Ocean Tomo Chief Investment Officer Michael Friedman will also address the Forum. The US merchant bank’s CEO, James Malackowski, was interviewed15 November by the HKTDC. To view the interview, please visit:

Free IP Consultation Service

HKTDC World SME Expo and HKTDC Inno Design Tech Expo (IDT Expo)will take place alongside BIP Asia at the HKCEC, 1-3 December.IP servicesproviders from Hong Kong and overseas will offer free IP consultation serviceat IDT Expo’s "Business of IP Zone,” Hall 1A, stand 1A-A01 (next to the BIP Asia venue).

Fair Websites

BIP Asia Forum:

Inno Design Tech Expo:

World SME Expo:

Media Enquires

Please contact the HKTDC's Corporate Communication Department:

Joe KainzTel: (852) 2584 4216Email:

About the HKTDC

A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 global offices, including 11 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, please visit