This year, Asian Legal Business has spotlighted 15 IP practitioners across Asia who are recognised to have excelled in the increasingly strategic field. Through a solid track record, they have demonstrated themselves as reliable solution providers to their clients, formidable competitors to their peers, and creative pioneers to their followers.

What strategies do you credit for your recognition as one of ALB Asia’s Top 15 Intellectual Property Lawyers?

It is a combination of several strategies, with the foremost being the importance of a stellar team. First, achieving significant goals requires a strong team to work with. My middle managers and fellow directors are outstanding in client communication and managing the lawyers in the teams, enabling me as the head of the department to focus on the macro issues rather than micro issues.

Second, be practical and understand the clients’ goals. The clients expect us to think both legally and commercially. I constantly preach common sense to my team. Common sense, unfortunately, is not common, so everyone needs to be reminded.

Third, a wonderful and supportive family is also so essential. My wife and children have always been supportive and understanding. The stability at home helps me focus on my work.

Can you share a notable intellectual property case where your innovative approach led to a favourable outcome?

Injunctions are commonplace for intellectual property cases, and for lay clients, an injunction may signify the end of the business. However, if managed deftly, that may not always be the case. In a recent patent infringement case where we represented the defendants, the High Court partially ruled against them, imposing an injunction against infringing the claimants’ patent. While awaiting the Court of Appeal’s hearing and decision, our clients needed to continue their operations. To ensure compliance with the injunction, I recommended engaging an independent auditor to audit our clients’ operations to ensure non-infringement of the patent. This proactive step, disclosed to the High Court and claimants, allowed our clients to continue operating until the appeal, ultimately resulting in their success as the Court of Appeal revoked the claimant’s patent.

How do you stay updated on industry trends, and how has this commitment influenced your success in intellectual property law?

The latest trend in IP is Generative AI. I have been attending seminars and having discussions with fellow IP lawyers to stay abreast of the evolving landscape surrounding this domain. The law on Generative AI is unsettled, with very few cases reaching courts globally.

Having entered intellectual property law 32 years ago when it was relatively unknown, I feel blessed to be in IP, as it has now become one of the most dynamic fields in law, intersecting with all realms of technical advancements. Staying informed on trends like Generative AI allows me to guide clients effectively in addressing arising issues.