Each year, the International Trademark Association hosts the world’s biggest intellectual property (IP) gathering, globally. BMatanga IP Attorneys was represented at this year’s INTA Annual meeting in Singapore by our Head of Practice, Ms. Brenda Matanga and we are delighted to share with you a snippet of that experience. Over 8000 IP professionals from about 130 or so countries gathered in the magnificent Asian business hub at the Sans Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay. What an absolute delight it was reconnecting with our colleagues and friends in the global IP community, making new connections, cementing the existing ones, and getting an opportunity to put brand BMatanga, IP Attorneys for Africa on the global map for IP professionals.
ARIPO Exhibition
We were co-exhibiting with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and other IP Agents in the region, joining 150 other exhibitors at the Innovation marketplace. This gave our firm an opportunity to be visible as an accredited ARIPO at the elegantly curated ARIPO exhibition stand which attracted a lot of visitors keen on doing business in the continent or already in business in African countries. Such a delight in seeing our 13 year-old brand shining and amongst Africa’s other household IP brands.
Part of the Speakers
INTA serves a diverse community of brand professionals seeking to refine, bolster and expand their knowledge and professional skills. A number of emerging issues and hot topics on various subjects were lined up in the educational sessions on the Agenda. We were privileged to have Ms. Matanga being chosen as part of INTAs panel of speakers yet again, in a session which focused on communication across the different and diverse business and cultural divide, representing the continent and proudly lifting the Zimbabwean flag in her traditional garb.
Networking
INTA is the place to mix and mingle with practitioners in the industry and we always have our fair chance in doing so in INTAs jam packed social events which will be happening alongside the meeting. It was great to network with other IP professionals from all over the world.
Committee Meetings
Our firm’s involvement with INTA has evolved over time as we have taken an active role of service within the organization. Ms Matanga is a committee member of the Global Advisory Council (Africa) so the meeting also afforded her a chance to meet up with her committee during the conference and be a part of this vibrant team of IP professionals who are helping to improve and shape the IP narrative in the African continent. INTA’s Global Advisory Councils (GACs) consist of members in eight regions globally who advise the Association leadership on the implementation of INTA’s Strategic Plan in the respective regions. Among the GAC’s principal functions are to raise relevant intellectual property (IP) issues in each region; provide feedback on substantive policy issues and activities to support the Association’s regional advocacy initiatives. We are happy to be involved on the global scene and leaving our mark.
INTA 2024,we would love to do it again.
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