At the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the ASEAN Intellectual Property Association, held on March 27–28 in Phuket, Uwe R. Borchert, Treasurer General of FICPI, represented the federation and delivered a formal address to delegates. The conference, hosted by the Thailand National Group, was organised under the theme “Advancing Together: Legal Practice and IP Protection in the Age of AI,” reflecting the profound transformation of intellectual property (IP) practice in the era of artificial intelligence. Our thanks to the ASEAN IPA for extending an invitation to FICPI.
FICPI representation and Uwe Borchert’s contribution
In his remarks, Uwe conveyed greetings from the FICPI Bureau and expressed his appreciation to ASEAN IPA President Phin Sovath and the organising committee. He commended the choice of theme, emphasising that the intersection of artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and IP law is of global relevance and requires coordinated responses from the international IP community.
Uwe Borchert highlighted that FICPI, as the only global organisation composed exclusively of IP attorneys in private practice, shares a close alignment with ASEAN IPA’s professional objectives. He stressed that collaboration between regional and international organisations enables practitioners to exchange insights, compare legal frameworks, and better understand how emerging technologies are reshaping IP systems worldwide. Such cooperation strengthens the role of IP attorneys in maintaining a balanced system that serves innovators, businesses, and society.
Conference highlights
The conference programme provided a comprehensive platform for these discussions. Following registration and the Annual General Meeting on the first day, participants attended a session led by the World Intellectual Property Organization, offering updates relevant to ASEAN stakeholders. The second day featured four substantive sessions addressing key developments in the field.
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Session 1 focused on “Intellectual Property in the AI Era”, exploring complex issues such as the patentability of AI-generated inventions and the protection of AI-created works.
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Session 2 examined “Technology-Driven Brand Protection and Business Operations”, highlighting how digital tools and AI are transforming enforcement strategies and business practices.
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Session 3 addressed “AI in Legal Practice”, providing insights into how law firms can integrate automation and AI into their workflows while addressing ethical and regulatory considerations.
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Finally, Session 4 analysed “Legal Disputes and Regulatory Challenges in the Age of AI”, offering comparative perspectives from jurisdictions including the United States, Europe, and Asia.
In this context, Uwe also presented FICPI’s ongoing initiatives related to artificial intelligence. He announced the upcoming FICPI Open Forum to be held in Budapest later in 2026, which will focus on the practical implications of AI for IP practitioners. The forum will include interactive workshops, particularly on AI-assisted patent drafting tools, enabling participants to test technologies and exchange best practices.
Extending an invitation to ASEAN IPA members, Uwe Borchert emphasised FICPI’s commitment to fostering international dialogue and professional cooperation. He concluded by expressing his hope that the conference would strengthen relationships among participants and promote continued collaboration.
Conclusion
Uwe Borchert’s participation underscored the shared commitment of FICPI and ASEAN IPA to adapt to technological change, uphold professional standards, and enhance global cooperation. His contribution added an important international dimension to the conference and reinforced the growing importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in the field of intellectual property.
Next steps
The next conference of the ASEAN IPA will be held in Indonesia.
