(Pictured above) Programme participants from eight countries alongside Mr Victor Owade (WIPO), Mr Peh Toon Meng (IPOS International), and Assistant Professor Yong Ee Hou (NTU) at the launch of the executive programme exploring IA/IP strategies in the AI era.

Executive Summary

The 2025 WIPO-IPOS International Executive Programme brought together 14 senior professionals from eight countries for an intensive exploration of intellectual property’s (IP) evolving role in the artificial intelligence (AI) era. Held in Singapore from 17-21 March 2025, the programme combined expert-led sessions with immersive site visits to innovation hubs, equipping participants with practical strategies for leveraging IP as a strategic asset amid rapid technological disruption.

Reimagining IP in an AI-Dominated Landscape

For IP professionals and policymakers worldwide, AI presents a fundamental paradox: how can traditional IP frameworks, originally designed for human creativity, adapt effectively to machine-generated innovations? What protection mechanisms are appropriate for AI-assisted inventions? How can organisations leverage intangible assets (IA) and IP strategies to maximise value from AI investments while managing associated risks?

These questions drew participants from diverse sectors and regions to Singapore—a nation that has strategically positioned itself at the intersection of robust IP protection and technological innovation

"The rapid evolution of AI technologies is fundamentally changing our understanding of creativity and invention," noted one participant from Southeast Asia. "We need strategies that balance innovation acceleration with appropriate protection mechanisms."

Balancing Theory with Actionable Applications

The five-day curriculum carefully integrated conceptual foundations with practical implementation strategies, organised around the theme "IP Unleashed! Navigating the Innovation Economy in the Age of AI."

A. Technological Dimensions and Future Trajectories

The Programme began with Assistant Professor Yong Ee Hou [Nanyang Technological University (NTU)] challenging participants to reconsider fundamental assumptions about creativity and inventorship. His sessions explored the theoretical boundaries between human and machine contributions, prompting rich discussions about appropriate protection mechanisms.

Dr Lu Weiquan [DUKE-NUS Medical School] shared frontline experiences navigating the complex interface of AI, digital governance, and IP protection in healthcare innovation. Participants gained insights into sector-specific challenges and effective approaches for managing IP within collaborative research environments.

Brian Lim [Advisor at Primer AI], concluded with forward-looking insights on AI's evolutionary trajectory. His session prompted participants to consider how today's IP strategies must anticipate tomorrow's technological capabilities, preparing organisations for continuous adaptation.

Caption 01: Dr Lu Weiquan (DUKE-NUS Medical School) sharing his experience and insights on navigating the complex intersection of AI, digital governance, and IP protection in healthcare innovation ecosystems.

Caption 02: Brian Lim (Primer AI) delivering forward-looking perspectives on AI advancements and their transformative implications for industry strategies, business models, and future workforce dynamics.

B. Strategic IP Frameworks for the AI Age

Martin Brassell [CEO of Inngot Limited], established fundamental frameworks for valuing and commercialising IA and IP in technology-intensive sectors. His case-based approach effectively illustrated how traditional IP valuation models are adapting to account for the unique characteristics of AI-driven innovations.

Paul McClelland [Head of Legal at IPOS International], built upon this foundation by examining the legal complexities at the intersection of AI and IP. His sessions explored emerging global approaches to AI-generated content protection, highlighting jurisdictional differences that present both challenges and strategic opportunities.

Caption 03: Participants deeply engaged as Martin Brassell (Inngot Limited) presented practical IP valuation frameworks through compelling real-world case studies, demonstrating adaptable approaches for AI-intensive innovations.

Innovation in Action

The programme extended beyond classroom learning through carefully curated visits to organisations demonstrating IP and AI integration in different contexts:

Avetics Global: Aerial Innovation Takes Flight

Avetics Global showcased how drone technology companies protect innovation while navigating complex regulatory environments. CEO Zhang Weiliang demonstrated how the company protects its competitive advantage through a layered IP strategy combining patents, trade secrets, and continuous innovation

Caption 04: Executive programme participants with Zhang Weiliang, CEO of Avetics Global, following an insightful session on strategic IP protection for emerging drone technologies.

Caption 05: Participants witnessing Avetics Global's advanced drone capabilities in action.

Mastercard Experience Center: Securing Financial Futures

Mastercard Experience Center illustrated how financial service innovations leverage IA and IP to create secure ecosystems that balance proprietary advantage with interoperability. Director of Product Management Santi Magno guided participants through interactive exhibits demonstrating how AI enhances payment security and customer experience, highlighting the strategic interplay between patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.

Caption 06: Mr Santi Magno, Director of Product Management at Mastercard, demonstrating how AI enhances payment security while highlighting the strategic interplay between patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.

The GEAR Smart Building: AI Infrastructure in Action

Kajima Corporation's GEAR Smart Building demonstrated practical applications of AI in the built environment. Participants explored how this next-generation facility integrates multiple AI systems to optimize energy usage, enhance security, and improve occupant experience. The visit highlighted how traditional industries are transforming through technology and the critical role of IP in protecting these innovations while enabling necessary collaboration.

Caption 07: Programme participants exploring Kajima Corporation's innovative AI integration solutions at The GEAR smart building, examining IP protection strategies for interconnected technological systems.

From Knowledge to Application: Participant Insights

The programme's impact emerged through the connections participants made between expert knowledge and their specific professional contexts.

“I found the training course extremely helpful in understanding many technical terms related to AI. It was also an eye-opening experience, showing me how rapidly AI technologies are evolving,” shared Ms Norliyana binti Kamarudin, Head of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation Section at Putra Science Park. “Additionally, the course provided valuable insights into protecting AI-related intellectual property, which will help me better understand how my public university can monetise the AI and IP we have.”

For private sector participants, the value came through practical frameworks for strategic decision-making.

“The WIPO IPOS Executive Programme in Singapore has been an exceptional experience that has enriched my understanding of intellectual property and its strategic importance in relation to AI,” noted Mr Sagar Shethia, Founder of SARA IP. “The program's expert-led sessions, case studies, and interactive discussions provided valuable insights into innovative IP management practices. Networking with distinguished professionals from diverse backgrounds further expanded my perspective.”

The programme culminated in team presentations at the WIPO Singapore Office, where participants demonstrated their learning by developing comprehensive IP strategies for AI-intensive scenarios. These interactive sessions effectively translated theoretical knowledge into actionable implementation blueprints tailored specially to each participant's organisational context.

Caption 08: Teams incorporating AI concepts into their strategic presentations at the WIPO Singapore Office, demonstrating practical application of the programme's key learnings.

Caption 09: Participants commemorating their collaborative learning journey with WIPO Singapore Office staff, symbolising the global partnership driving IP innovation.

Key Takeaways

By the programme conclusion, participants had developed several actionable strategies for their organisations:

• Strategic IP Portfolio Development
  Participants crafted approaches for continuously aligning IP strategies with the rapid evolution of AI capabilities, moving beyond static protection models.

• Cross-Border Collaboration Models
  The programme highlighted effective approaches for managing IP in multinational AI development projects, addressing jurisdictional differences while maintaining adequate protection.

• Valuation Methodologies for AI Assets
  Participants explored adapted valuation approaches that account for the unique characteristics of AI-based intangible assets, including data dependencies and algorithmic improvements.

• Governance Frameworks for Responsible Innovation
  The sessions emphasised the importance of developing governance structures that address ethical considerations while fostering innovation in AI-intensive environments.

A Future with IA/IP as Innovation Catalyst

As the programme concluded with a certificate ceremony at the IPOS International office, participants reflected on their transformed perspective: IA and IP in the AI age must evolve from a primarily protective function to a proactive performance driver.

Caption 10: Proud programme graduates displaying their certificates at IPOS International, marking an end to their week-long exploration of IP as a strategic catalyst for innovation in the AI age.

The theme "IP Unleashed!" captured this paradigm shift—envisioning IA and IP not as a constraint but as a catalyst for collaboration, competitiveness, and innovation at global scale. The connections formed during this intensive week promise to extend beyond individual participants to shape organisational strategies and potentially national policies.

“Beyond the formal curriculum, what I value most is the community we've built,“ reflected one participant during the closing ceremony. “We've created a network of practitioners who understand these specialised challenges and can support each other as the field continues to evolve.“

With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the WIPO-IPOS International Executive Programme continues positioning itself as a global flagship for decision-makers shaping the future of IA and IP in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. As AI continues transforming innovation processes worldwide, the collaborative vision developed during this Singapore programme offers a valuable blueprint for navigating tomorrow's IP challenges.

The WIPO-IPOS International Executive Programme is jointly organised by the World Intellectual Property Organization and IPOS International. Organisations interested in participating in future programmes can contact our Academy team at enquiry.academy@iposinternational.com