Hong Kong, 29 May 2018: The impact of Brexit was one of the key themes at the world’s biggest global brand, trademark and intellectual property conference last week, with Boase Cohen & Collins in attendance.
BC&C Partner Susan Cheung and Associate Allison Lee were among almost 11,000 delegates who converged on Seattle for the 140th Annual Meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA).
A busy five-day programme at the Washington State Convention Centre included more than 300 educational sessions and 255 so-called Table Topics, in which small groups of attendees held discussions over breakfast or lunch.
“Brexit was a regular talking point, with the UK’s impending departure from the European Union set to have far-reaching consequences for the owners of brands as they seek to protect their trademarks and IP. The conference devoted a key session to the subject while various Brexit issues were discussed in Table Topic meetings and other networking sessions,” said Ms Cheung.
“Besides Brexit, the Annual Meeting offered a vast array of discussions on every conceivable subject relating to the trademark and IP industry plus, of course, many networking opportunities in the packed agenda of workshops, forums, receptions and dinners.
“Attendance at this conference is essential for lawyers wishing to stay in step with the fast-moving world of IP and trademark law. As a result, we are able to offer an enhanced range of services to our clients at Boase Cohen & Collins.”
Amid a busy schedule, Ms Cheung attended one of the Brexit-themed Table Topics while Ms Lee took part in two discussions relating to parallel imports in China and new EU trademark regulations.
The duo also attended a reception for members of global legal services organisation Ally Law hosted by Seattle firm Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt. Boase Cohen & Collins is Hong Kong’s sole representative in Ally Law, which comprises almost 70 independent law firms in more than 40 jurisdictions.
INTA is the global association of trademark owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and related IP in order to protect consumers and to promote fair and effective commerce. INTA’s members include more than 7,200 organisations from 191 countries.