Tag: ip committee

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AABANY Hosts Meeting with Singapore IP Delegation and Attends Roundtable on IP Disputes

In February and March 2025, AABANY had the honor of participating in two events with a delegation of IP officials from Singapore.

Meeting with the Singapore IP Delegation (February 26, 2025):
On February 26, 2025, AABANY’s Intellectual Property Committee hosted a meeting with a distinguished IP delegation from Singapore at Wilson Sonsini in New York. This exclusive event brought together key leaders in the IP community from both the United States and Singapore, fostering discussions about collaboration and innovation in global IP practices.

The delegation from Singapore included some of the foremost leaders in the fields of IP law, arbitration, and mediation, who shared invaluable insights into Singaporean law and practices in these areas. Attendees had the unique opportunity to engage with:

  • Dr. Stanley Lai, Senior Counsel, Chairperson of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS)
  • Chuan Wee Meng, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC)
  • Adriana Uson, Director & Head (Americas), Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
  • Sandy Widjaja, Senior Legal Counsel, IPOS

These experts provided an in-depth view of Singapore’s robust legal infrastructure and its innovative approaches to resolving IP disputes through mediation and arbitration. The conversations focused on opportunities for cross-border collaboration, especially in areas where U.S. and Singaporean practices align in the IP field.

Jeffrey Mok (AABANY’s VP of Programs & Operations, and Co-Chair of the IP Committee) delivered a presentation on AABANY’s mission, history, and role as a nationally recognized leader among diverse bar associations.  Ben Hsing, AABANY’s President-Elect and Ada Wang, Co-Chair of the IP Committee, also guided discussions and ensured meaningful dialogue between the two communities.

Roundtable Discussion: Trends in the Resolution of IP and Technology Disputes (March 4, 2025):
On March 4, 2025, AABANY was honored to be invited to, and participate in, a Roundtable Discussion on the Resolution of IP and Technology Disputes, organized by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP at their office in Manhattan West. The event provided a platform for legal professionals from across the globe to discuss key trends and challenges in IP dispute resolution, especially within the context of technology and innovation.

The roundtable was moderated by Dr. Stanley Lai, Senior Counsel and Chairman of IPOS, and featured thought-provoking discussions on critical issues such as:

  • Litigation vs. Arbitration: The advantages and challenges of resolving IP disputes through litigation versus arbitration.
  • Mediation: The increasing role of mediation as a method of resolving disputes without resorting to litigation or arbitration.
  • Arbitration Considerations: Topics like the seat of arbitration, governing law, selection of arbitral institutions, and arbitrator choice.
  • Practical Challenges: Issues related to discovery, expert witnesses, and other pain points commonly faced during IP and technology disputes.

Greg Pan and Ada Wang, Co-Chairs of AABANY’s Intellectual Property Committee contributed to the roundtable discussion alongside other prominent figures from the IP and dispute resolution sectors. Among the attendees were:

  • David Kappos, Partner at Cravath
  • Chuan Wee Meng, CEO, Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC)
  • Adriana Uson, Director & Head (Americas), Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
  • Sharon Goswami, Partner at Cravath
  • Keith Hummel, Partner at Cravath
  • Mia Levi, Vice President, CPR Dispute Resolution
  • Sandy Widjaja, Senior Legal Counsel, IPOS

The IP Committee looks forward to continuing to foster discussions about intellectual property at a global level. 

To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can get more involved, go here.

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AABANY IP Committee Welcomes Spring with Monthly Dinner On March 31, 2025

On March 31, 2025, the AABANY Intellectual Property (IP) Committee hosted its monthly dinner at Utsav.  Both familiar and new faces gathered to enjoy mouthwatering Indian cuisine while engaging in lively discussions on a range of topics, including racquet sports for the spring (e.g., tennis or pickleball), the evolving role of AI in our lives, and its growing impact on the legal industry.

A big thank you to everyone who attended! The IP Committee is always welcoming new members, and we encourage anyone interested in joining our community to get involved.

To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can participate, visit the IP Committee’s page on the AABANY website.

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AABANY Intellectual Property Committee Co-Hosts Board Games Night

On April 9th, AABANY’s IP Committee, in collaboration with the New York Intellectual Property Law Association (NYIPLA), hosted an exciting and lively Board Games Night at Fish & Richardson. Everyone from IP lawyers and beyond was invited to unwind and connect for a night of friendly competition.


Around 30 players of all skill levels were able to engage in a variety of games that were offered, from familiar games, such as Monopoly, Codenames, and Anomia, as well as new ones like Herd Mentality. Participants enjoyed the lighthearted, relaxed, and enjoyable atmosphere of each game, regardless of skill level, making for a laughter-filled night of fun.

The attendees enjoyed a variety of delicious food and drinks, including dumplings and noodles.

Thank you to everyone who attended, making this event a huge success through your participation.


Thank you as well to IP Committee Co-Chair Jeffery Mok for helping to organize this event and his firm, Fish & Richardson, for hosting. To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can get involved, visit their page here.

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AABANY Co-Sponsors Fireside Chat with Bethany Li, Executive Director of AALDEF

On Thursday, February 27th, AABANY with FALA New York, NACAL, SABANY, and NYU’s APALSA co-sponsored a Fireside Chat with Bethany Li, the new Executive Director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF). Moderated by Vishal Chander, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Issues Committee, the event gave insight into AALDEF’s history, Bethany’s journey into public interest law, and the pressing civil rights issues facing Asian American communities today.

Bethany Li first took the audience through the history of AALDEF, highlighting how AALDEF has been instrumental in landmark cases that have shaped Asian American advocacy. She emphasized that AALDEF’s history is deeply intertwined with the history of Asian Americans in the United States, stating, “Much of AALDEF’s history coincides with what we understand and study as Asian American history.” 

Bethany later shared personal stories of her childhood in Massachusetts, attributing much of her fine-tuned awareness of systemic injustices to her exposure to the immigrant struggle at an early age. This went on to influence her path to public interest law where, at Amherst, she became more involved in Asian American activism through internships at different journalistic and legal organizations, including one experience during college in which she interned at AALDEF. She later attended Georgetown Law, where she studied under Mari Matsuda, one of the nation’s leading critical race theorists, who cemented her commitment to social justice.

Reflecting on her return to AALDEF as Executive Director, she described it as a homecoming and stressed her commitment to expanding AALDEF’s litigation work, strengthening pro bono partnerships, and mentoring the next generation of civil rights attorneys.

The conversation turned to the role of law firms and private attorneys in supporting AALDEF’s mission. Bethany encouraged attorneys to take on pro bono cases, financially support AALDEF’s work through sponsorships, donations, and participation in events like AALDEF’s Annual Gala, and to advocate within their institutions for greater engagement in civil rights litigation and standing up against government policies that harm immigrant communities. She noted that law firms play a crucial role in civil rights litigation, so their support is greatly appreciated. However, she also acknowledged that pro bono support has become more challenging in the current political climate as firms have refused to attach their names to even non-controversial cases.

Bethany also shared valuable insights for law students interested in public interest law. She specifically stressed the importance of getting hands-on experience through internships, clinics, and pro bono opportunities and seeking mentorship from experienced public interest lawyers. Additionally, Niji Jain, the Legal Director of AALDEF, noted the importance of a strong cover letter while applying, saying that “as a lawyer, writing is your craft.” Bethany also mentioned one of AALDEF’s goals in the coming years: launching an Asian American Training Institute to train the next generation of civil rights litigators and community lawyers.

Vishal’s final question to Bethany was regarding whether she had a call to action for the audience. Bethany gave a powerful piece of advice, citing her former Professor Mari Matsuda, saying, “Do the work that gives you energy.”

The event concluded with Bethany taking a few questions from the audience, during which they engaged in discussions about AALDEF’s future priorities, the challenges of mobilizing Asian American communities, and ways to get involved.

AABANY extends its deepest gratitude to NYU Law School for hosting, FALA New York, SABANY, and NYU’s APALSA for co-sponsoring and making this possible, and especially Bethany Li for her time and insights. We also thank the AABANY Committees that worked so hard to put on this event, namely the IP Committee, Issues Committee, GSPI Committee, and Professional Development Committee. Thank you as well to everyone who attended this important discussion.

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AABANY IP Committee Hosts Super Smash Brothers & Sake Night

On January 9, 2025, the AABANY Intellectual Property (IP) Committee kicked off the new year with a fun and interactive event: the Super Smash Brothers & Sake Night, hosted at Fish & Richardson. The IP Committee fired up retro N64 gaming consoles, a Nintendo Switch, and a PlayStation 5 for this event, with attendees ranging from experienced gamers to first-time players.

The event included a tasty dinner menu with crowd favorites like pizza, wings, meatballs, and chicken tenders. For sake enthusiasts, a curated tasting session gave participants the chance to sample and compare five different types of sake from Japan and the United States.

Despite the chilly weather, on one of the coldest nights in New York City in recent memory, the event saw a great turnout. Guests enjoyed networking in a relaxed atmosphere, friendly competition, and a few cups of sake.

A big thank you to everyone who braved the cold to make this event a success! Based on the positive feedback, the IP Committee is already planning similar events for the future. 

Stay tuned for more retro gaming nights, sake tastings, IP Committee dinner series, and other exciting activities in 2025. Visit the IP Committee’s page on the AABANY website to join.

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A Farewell to 2024: AABANY IP Committee’s End-of-Year Dinner

On December 17, 2024, the AABANY Intellectual Property (IP) Committee held its final dinner of the year at Dhaba Indian Cuisine, a cozy spot perfect for a cold winter evening. Members, both new and returning, gathered to enjoy flavorful and spicy dishes, while sharing career updates and holiday plans. The Committee was also happy to welcome a guest from out of town.

The dinner provided an excellent opportunity for members to connect, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the opportunities that 2025 holds.

The IP Committee is excited to continue its dinner series in the new year, creating additional chances for members to network, learn from each other, and engage with professionals in the IP community.

A big thank you to everyone who attended! The IP Committee always welcomes new members to join our growing and dynamic community.

To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can get involved, visit the IP Committee’s page on the AABANY website.

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IP Committee Hosts Dinner at Charoen Krung

On July 22, the IP Committee met for a tasty Thai dinner at Charoen Krung in Manhattan.  Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of classic Thai dishes.  The dinner welcomed many new faces into the community, from law students to interns, to experienced private practice and in-house attorneys.  Attendees shared about how they were spending their summers, as well as about projects they were tackling at work.  The dinner ended with delicious Thai desserts including mango sticky rice.     

Thank you to everyone who joined!  The IP Committee always welcomes new members to its events!

To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can get involved, go here.

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AABANY Intellectual Property Committee and YSIAC Host: Dinner at Dim Sum Palace

On October 1, 2024, AABANY’s Intellectual Property Committee and the Young Singapore International Arbitration Centre (YSIAC) teamed up to host a fantastic Dim Sum dinner at Dim Sum Palace. The event drew a great crowd of IP litigation professionals, with everyone enjoying dishes like Peking Duck, Shu-Mai, and E-Fu Noodles. Jeffrey Mok, co-chair of AABANY’s IP Committee, and Adriana Uson, director of the SIAC, served as hosts for the evening.

As the night progressed, the event fostered a sense of community among the attendees, encouraging new collaborations and deepening professional relationships. This Dim Sum dinner was a meaningful gathering that provided a perfect balance of intellectual exchange and culinary enjoyment.

Among the attendees was Charlene Valdez Warner, a Senior U.S. Associate at Linklaters. We discussed her fascinating work in international arbitration and litigation, as well as what it is like being a Filipino-American in the legal field. She emphasized how important it is for Asian professionals, especially in underrepresented areas like ours, to have these kinds of gatherings. It’s not just about business; it’s about building community, sharing experiences, and lifting each other up.

Throughout the evening, the conversations were just as varied as the menu, with topics ranging from IP trends to the challenges of working in global markets. Charlene and I both agreed that dinners like these are essential, providing a space where Asian American attorneys can connect on a personal level and strengthen their professional networks.

As the night wrapped up, it was clear that the event was more than just a meal – it was a reminder of the power of community. AABANY continues to bring together legal professionals who support and inspire one another. Check the AABANY calendar for announcements of upcoming IP Committee dinner and events

To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can get involved, go here.

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Intellectual Property Committee Hosts Dinner at Mama Fina’s on June 20

On Thursday, June 20, the Asian American Bar Association of New York’s Intellectual Property (IP) Committee hosted a dinner at Mama Fina’s, renowned as the House of Filipino Sisig. New and returning members attended the dinner, eager to meet and catch up with one another.

For some attendees, the dinner was an eye-opening experience as this was their first time exploring Filipino cuisine. Attendees enjoyed Filipino classics such as their light and flavorful lumpia, unforgettable crispy lechon, and of course, their famous fragrant and savory sisig, all shared family style. Safe to say, many attendees left Mama Fina’s as newfound lovers of the cuisine.

At the dinner, members bonded over endless discussions on various intriguing topics such as hometowns, pop culture, and AI. Some Canadian members of the committee had an unexpected encounter with one another, and gave travel advice to committee members that have travel plans in Canada. From there, discussions ensued on music and the use of AI in recent songs. Practicing lawyers gave their two cents on the use of AI in music, and how AI has and will continue to affect the legal field. Attendees conversed for about two hours at the dinner, leaving content and well-fed.

Thank you to those who joined us for the wonderful evening. To learn more about the IP Committee and how to get more involved, click here.

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Intellectual Property Committee Hosts Dinner at Barn Joo Nomad

On Wednesday, March 6th, the AABANY IP Committee gathered once again to enjoy a delightful evening of Korean cuisine at Barn Joo Nomad near Koreatown. The spacious table, accommodating 20 attendees, sparked meaningful conversation accompanied by an array of family-style Korean dishes. Dinner commenced, accompanied by yuzu and sesame-infused drinks, beers, and more. As conversation flowed, a variety of dishes filled the table, featuring spicy fried chicken, dumplings, squid ink pasta, kimbap, and salads.

The dinner sparked connections beyond intellectual property law, as law students, recent graduates, and attorneys specializing in various disciplines engaged in discussions ranging from building their law firms to pursuing careers in government-related IP roles. Beyond the topic of law, committee members took the opportunity to share personal endeavors and shared insights with the younger generation on navigating their careers.

The IP Committee continues to welcome new faces and nurture connections with existing members through casual dinners and other activities. If you are interested in IP law or wish to bond over Asian delicacies and shared professional experiences, please be on the lookout for future events from this committee!

To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can get involved, go here.

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