Articles on protection and enforcement of IP in SE Asia and the Pacific:

Viet Nam’s IP enforcement reforms under global scrutiny: Signals for investors

by Peter N. Fowler and Anh Thu (Alison) Nguyen, May 5, 2026

Over the past year, Viet Nam has accelerated efforts to modernize its intellectual property regime, with particular emphasis on enforcement, an area long scrutinized by foreign investors assessing market and operational risk. These reforms come as Viet Nam continues its shift towards higher value manufacturing, technology, and branded consumer goods, sectors in which IP protection is central to investment decisions rather than a secondary concern.

Commentary from Center for Innovation, Trade, and Strategy

Why Engagement with Indo-Pacific Judiciaries Matters

by Peter N. Fowler, September 22, 2023

As senior counsel in the Office of Policy and International Affairs at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the author argues that a continued commitment to engagement with Indo-Pacific judiciaries is critical to the achievement of U.S. policy and enforcement priorities for IP protection in the region.

Korekiyo Takahashi and the Japan Patent Office–United States Patent and Trademark Office Legacy, 103 J. Pat. & Trademark Off. Soc'y 123 (2023)

by Peter N. Fowler and Vu Nguyen, April 3, 2023

The authors explore the historical legacy between the JPO and USPTO, as seen through the decades-long friendship of Korekiyo Takahashi, the father of the Japanese patent system and first JPO Commissioner, and Schuyler Duryee, USPTO Chief Deputy and Secretary. 

The article highlights personal engagement in the late 19th century as the starting point, particularly focusing on Takahashi, who undertook a concerted effort to modernize Japan's intellectual property system, influenced by the American model, and establish Japan in the global patent world.

Over the years, the two offices developed a close cooperative relationship, evolving into key partners in global IP, from creation of the Trilateral Patent Offices, along with the EPO; to leading in patent harmonization efforts and improvement of patent quality and efficiency.

Commentary from the Center for Innovation, Trade, and Strategy

Intellectual Property Challenges in the ASEAN Region

by Peter N. Fowler, July 1, 2021

The author argues that the success of the ASEAN Economic Community depends on the speedy harmonization of IP norms and practices across the region and discusses the need for a mechanism for resolving the inevitable regional disputes.

ASEAN and Intellectual Property: Will a Complicated History Lead to a Certain Future?, 40 Loy. L.A. Int'l & Comp. L. Rev. 167 (2017)

by Peter N. Fowler, Teerin Charoenpot, and Cheepchanok Chernkwanma

In this article on the history of the development of IP protection in Southeast Asia, from diverse colonial-era legal systems toward standardized, TRIPS-compliant regimes, the authors discuss the challenges facing the ASEAN Economic Community in achieving harmonization of IP norms and the coordination of enforcement, in an effort to spur innovation and investment. 

IPR in Lao PDR and Myanmar: Works in Progress, T-AB: Thai-American Business, vol. 1, p. 30 (Jan-Feb. 2015)

by Peter N. Fowler

The author reviews the progress and challenges facing Laos and Myanmar in modernizing their respective IP legal systems.

Presentation at UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Interplay Between Trade, IPR Protection and Enforcement, and Technology Transfer: Some Observations

by Peter N. Fowler, May 14, 2012 

The author argues that the interplay between trade, IP protection and enforcement, and technology transfer is challenging, but can be a positive opportunity for developing economies.