NAIP News & PR
NAIP Holds Seminar on European Patent Industry
NAIP's seminar on European Patents concluded late afternoon on April 15th with an enthusiastic question and answer session. Featuring two special guests from Germany and the European patent office, the NAIP seminar attracted a wide range of attendees from the academic field and IP industry, including students, engineers, executives and patent office officials.


The European Patent seminar arose primarily from two causes: first, the overwhelmingly positive response to NAIP's seminars on the Korean Patent Industry (April 2007) and US Patent Law (October 2008). The sheer number of requests for NAIP to continue its seminar offerings made the decision easy.

Secondly, from the relatively small volume of European patents applied for by Taiwanese corporations each year, NAIP surmised that few industry professionals had the experience or familiarity with the European patent application process. However, with the rising importance of the European market, NAIP saw the need and unfulfilled demand for a more detailed and thorough introduction to the European Patent System.
NAIP General Manager Winston Hsu.

NAIP General Manager Winston Hsu explained that the world market was shifting, in part due to the US sub-prime mortgage crisis, the world economic slide, China| s recent natural disasters, and even China| s recent labor law revisions. All these and other reasons have made Europe a more attractive market. In this market, Mr. Hsu believes that NAIP must help and support Taiwan| s IP industry in understanding these global changes.

For the half-day seminar, NAIP invited German Patent Agent Dr. Joachim Weber of Hoefer & Partners and Gerd Hedemann, Director at the European Patent Office to speak about several topics, including European Patent Strategy, the European Patent System, Search & Examination Procedures, recent changes such as the London Agreement and more.

        *If you are interested in receiving a digital copy of the seminar on CD, please contact NAIP services.

The venue at National Taiwan Normal University.
NAIP Business Managers greet attendees at the registration table.
As the seminar begins, seats fill quickly.
Attendees listen attentively.
NAIP General Manager Winston Hsu delivers an introductory address.
Dr. Joachim Weber, Patent Agent for Hoefer & Partners of Germany.
Gerd Hedemann, Director at the European Patent Office.
During break audience members meet and greet the speakers.
During break refreshments are served outside the auditorium.
An audience Q&A session.
Mr. Hedemann answers an audience member's question.
NAIP Patent Agent Dean Tan translates an answer.