As part of the European Commission’s objective to support small and medium-sized enterprises to secure their ASEAN intellectual property rights (IPR), the ASEAN IPR SME Helpdesk—a European Commission project that provides free information and services on IP—has published a guide on Protecting Your IP at Trade Fairs in Southeast Asia. The guide, written by James Evans, a consultant in Tilleke & Gibbins intellectual property department and an IPR Helpdesk Expert, provides detailed insight into trade fairs and the measures that should be taken in order to fully protect your IP when attending such events. In particular, the following topics are examined:

• Advance Planning: Geographical issues, timing considerations, and trade fair preparations
• Attending the Trade Fair: Extent of disclosure and best practices summary
• Taking Action Against an Infringer: Notification letters, cease-and-desist letters, search-and-seize actions, investigations, legal proceedings, and alternative dispute resolution
• Identifying a Business Partner at Trade Fairs: Nondisclosure agreements, due diligence, and memorandums of understanding