Professor Eric C. Yim, JP

Chairman

Hong Kong Design Centre

Hong Kong Design Centre is proud to be a co-organiser of the Business of IP Forum 2020. Like many other events around the world, the annual forum will go online this year, linking up knowledge experts to share updated industry trends and practices with global participants.

Intellectual property protection is key to fostering innovation, and innovation is crucial as we strive to adapt to the new world economy. In the same way that IP protects new ideas from infringement, it can also promote ‘collaborative creativity’ when shared, licensed or traded with partners and competitors. As different industries race to develop solutions to outshine others, we rely on a strong IP foundation to help these innovations flourish and create more widespread, positive impact.

As a concurrent programme of Business of Design Week, Asia’s annual event on design, innovation and brands, the Business of IP Forum also fosters innovation and collaboration among industries. It works hand in hand with our mission to strengthen our city’s position as a centre of design excellence in Asia, the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

I would like to convey my sincere thanks to the Hong Kong SAR Government and Hong Kong Trade Development Council for hosting this important event, which contributes to the continuous development of innovative industries and our economy. I have no doubt that you will benefit a great deal from the online forum.