Asia IP

Singapore - Moves by governments in some countries and regions to limit the size of logos on packaging, make warnings compulsory or restrict products to plain packaging is of concern, said Etienne Sanz de Acedo, chief executive officer of the INTA, speaking at a conference in Singapore. Answering a question from the audience, Sanz de Acedo was asked if measures to restrict IP owners rights to use their brands are legitimate.

From an association perspective, the INTA is following the issue from the perspective of all brand owners, not just from the perspective of one sector. Today the issues mainly target one sector, but tomorrow it could be two sectors, and in the future it may be multiple sectors, explained Sanz de Acedo. Giving an example, he highlighted recent moves in Chile to try and limit the size of logos on toy brands in the country.

In some situations, it is possible legislators are trying to find simple solutions to complex problems, or possibly following a populist approach said Sanz de Acedo. “We need to protect property rights, as there may be other ways to address the issue, and we need to raise our voice and explain what IP is bringing to an economy.”

Sanz de Acedo was speaking on day two of the Global Forum on IP, part of IP Week@SG, jointly organised by IPOS and IP Academy, Singapore.