Editorial

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Editorial

Managing IP's 2020 Asia-Pacific IP Focus reflects a number of exciting IP developments in jurisdictions as various as India, China, Japan, Australia and South Korea. It also addresses the practical aspects of navigating the different legal systems in this region. Artificial intelligence is a seminal topic in this Focus as countries respond to its increasing use and grapple with how to protect it under IP law.

The article on patent applications for AI innovations in Japan details trends in the field and discusses the many uses to which AI can be put. Also on the theme of AI, the piece on Chinese examination standards provides a valuable insight into the rules around subject matter, inventiveness and sufficient disclosure. I am sure this material will be useful for those seeking to protect AI in the jurisdiction.

The article on the Indian patent review and appeal process offers information on how to manage the situation once a patent application has been refused. It looks at the different grounds for overturning a rejection. Meanwhile, the write-up on key new developments in South Korean IP legislation and the possible introduction of "K-discovery" is also essential reading for those who wish to know more about damages and IP evidence procedure in the country.

Finally, this supplement includes two pieces written by Managing IP's Asia correspondent on the CNIPA's yearly plan and the Rokt decision in Australia concerning computer-implemented inventions. The latter article is another interesting read for those with business interests in the AI arena.

Whether you wish to learn more about IP developments in South Korea, want to file a patent application in India successfully or simply want to know more about the intersection between IP and AI in China and Japan, this supplement will assist you in managing the dynamic landscape of this region adroitly.

Sanjana Kapila

Commercial projects editor

Managing IP

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

As global commerce continues to expand through e-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces, protecting brands has become a growing challenge for organisations worldwide. Counterfeiting, intellectual property infringement, and online brand abuse are increasing across industries, making brand protection strategies a critical priority for businesses.
Henrik Holzapfel and Chuck Larsen of McDermott Will & Schulte explain why a Court of Appeal ruling could promote access to justice and present a growth opportunity for litigation finance
A co-partner in charge says the UK prosecution teams are a ‘vital’ part of the firm’s offering, while praising a key injunction win
A team from White & Case has checked in on behalf of Premier Inn Hotels in a UK trademark and passing off case against a cookie brand
Litigation team says pre-trial work and a Section 101 defence helped significantly limit damages payable by ride-sharing firm Lyft in patent case
News of Avanci hiring a senior vice president and the EPO teaming up with a French AI startup were also among the top talking points
Explosm, the independent Texas studio behind the hit webcomic Cyanide & Happiness, partnered with Temu’s IP protection team to combat counterfeiters infringing on its brand
The latest in a dispute over juicing machines, and a shakeup in judicial compositions were also among the top developments
Patent partner Robert Hollingshead explains why the firm remains committed to Japan despite several US firms exiting the Japanese and greater Asia market
Emma Green, partner at Bird & Bird, shares why the Iceland v Iceland dispute could prompt businesses and lawyers to think differently about brand enforcement
Gift this article