Connecting Society

The programme is meaningful as it is a way to promote the valuable IP rights and the observation of IP rights to the HK students. It also promotes creative works. Moreover, it could raise their interest to IP law. During one of the school talks, the students were excited when the power-point slide which contained many brand names was shown. I wish I could attend this kind of talks when I was still a secondary school student.

I attended a talk co-hosted by Mr Kenny Wong regarding intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry. It was very interesting as I had not imagined that IP law could be that relevant to us. Some of the issues raised have long been controversial. For instance, the issues regarding portrait rights and the inclusion of trade marks in movies. The talk is entertaining. I wish I could have more chances to attend different conferences and seminars to broaden my horizon in relation to this area in the future.

I would highly recommend this programme to the other fellow students.

Pamela HO, CUHK JD

The IP Ambassador Programme offers invaluable opportunities for students to explore the Intellectual Property (IP) legal field from different perspectives.

In terms of the activities provided by the IPD, there are multiple choices including cross jurisdiction conferences and local seminars held by both the business sector as well as the legal professionals. For me, I have joined the 10^th International Animation Copyright Fair held in China last year and observed the discussion of IP transformation and capitalization; the huge expansion of IP development in the mainland and the legal challenges found in the respective fields. It was an eye-opening experience to get to know what were the IP models and mechanisms behind the daily entertainments such as anime, games and movies.

Looking back to the past year, it was a unique experience and I had a great time through participating in various events. I do encourage anyone who is interested in IP law should not hesitate to join!

Bobbo LIU, City U JD

As an IP Ambassador, on behalf of the IPD, I have been given an opportunity to hold a school talk on IP law to a group of 759 secondary school students. It has been a great opportunity for me to promote IP rights and to make IP protection more accessible to everyone through sharing the overview of trademark, copyright and patent law and enforcement in Hong Kong with such a large group of students. The activities organized by IPD, including but not limited to the opening and closing ceremonies which I have participated in, also provided a platform for the Ambassadors to exchange views with the practitioners regarding the landscape of IP law in Hong Kong.

Through these invaluable experiences, I have gained public speaking experiences and confidence for my personal development, which would be essential for my future career as a solicitor.

Beverly FU, CUHK JD

This programme is practically rewarding. The IPD provided ample opportunities for ambassadors to participate in IP events such as conventions and forums. Ambassadors also get the chance to mingle with IP professionals.

The most challenging part was communication with our audience. Often schools (mostly mainstream schools) would like ambassadors to give talks during weekly assembly. My partner and I spoke in front of 600 students and teachers. Pragmatic questions raised by students and teachers could be difficult to answer because they wanted to know what they can do (e.g. any IP law regulating source of images) while in law we are used to study what we cannot do. Bridging this gap called for common sense and tactfulness.

AU Yan Chi, CUHK JD

Interning at the Intellectual Property Department has allowed me to experience what it is like to be an administrative guardian of IP rights.

Having been attached to the Advisory Team, I conducted legal researches to assist the provision of civil legal advice on IP matters to different government departments and bureaux. I also gained more understanding of the Government’s IP trading initiatives and the Department’s role in the implementation of international treaties.

It was particularly interesting to see the examination process of applications for trademark registration through the eyes of the Trade Marks Registry.

Cleverin CHU, HKU PCLL (2019); HKU BBA(Law) (2018)

My time at IFPI Asian Regional Office was eye-opening, enriching and enjoyable. I was given the opportunity to learn more about the work of collective management organisations (CMOs) and copyright law in other Asian countries.

Through assisting the anti-piracy team in the investigation of pirated music apps on online app stores and issue of cease and desist notices, I became more aware of copyright infringement issues concerning circulation of unlicensed music and stream ripping (e.g. converting a YouTube video to a mp3 file). I also reached a better understanding of the problem of “value gap” in the phonographic industry.

In addition to engaging in operational work, I conducted research on copyright law and policies in various Asian countries such as Brunei, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. It was fascinating to compare how countries drafted and implemented copyright law differently. I was astonished when I realised that a lot of Asian countries have already included the right of communication in their copyright law while Hong Kong still hasn’t!

Phoebe WOO, HKU BA&LLB (2019)

Fortunate enough, I was able to take up the role as the Intellectual Property (IP) Intern in Louis Vuitton during summer. It was a dynamic, interesting and fruitful experience, where I was able to gain insight of IP campaigns as well as other IP related matters such as trademarks and copyright.

My role as an intern was mainly about two things - to assist the IP Department to handle issues such as shipping of samples and music licensing; and to be an advocate of the IP rights through raising awareness of counterfeits and trademarks in the luxury goods industry. It was particularly important to understand why brands place such an emphasis in protecting their brand image and take measures to fight against counterfeits.

It was very new for me to read many legal memorandums and advice from different regions such as Northern Asia and the Asia Pacific region, and conduct research on customs, licensing and copyright law. The different scope and the flexibility of copyright law in various regions were extremely interesting to compare. It also was amazing to experience the whole business context while working for the IP Department, and learn the interconnectedness of different departments.

I sincerely thank LVMH for providing me such a great opportunity. It was an experience that I will never forget.

Yun Ha JEONG, HKU BBA(Law)