The first segment of the 2019-2020 FICPI South East Asian Patent Drafting Course (FICPI SEAD) took place in Metro Manila, Philippines from December 9th to 13th at the Rufino Campus, De La Salle University, Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

The FICPI SEAD courses were introduced to Singapore in 1997, have trained over 500 professionals, and  have since been conducted in other South East Asia countries such as Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and latterly in the Philippines. 

The course is sponsored by bodies including the European Patent Office and Obhans (India), and is part of FICPI’s commitment to enhance technical knowledge of professionals interested in patents as a profession.  The FICPI SEAD team in Manila is shown below:

Shown below is a group photo of the tutors and the 24 students on the course.  

The second segment is the home study where the students are given assignments and mentoring by the tutors. 

So far, based on short interviews with the students, they are all excited to receive their assignments to apply what they have learned in the first segment and get feedback from the tutors on their performance. 

The students meet again in the Philippines for the third and final segment scheduled  for 1 - 5 June 2020.

FICPI’s view and involvement

FICPI’s focus on legal and professional excellence includes strong Training and Study & Work Committees. The SEAD course has been running for 20 years and is of particular interest and benefit to IP attorneys with between one and five years of experience in the IP profession.

As well as benefiting from high quality training, the small cohorts build strong bonds over shared common goals, concerns and commitment to quality and the training often leads to ongoing business relationships as well as friendships.

Next steps

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