APAA 50th Anniversary Book by Kamal Kumar

APAA Anniversary Book

A PA A

ASIAN PATENT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION

APAA 50 Anniversary Book th

Editor Amarjit Singh Book Committee Hirohito Katsunuma Greg Munt C.K. Kwong Patrick Kim Pablo Gancayco Kozo Takeuchi Woon Chooi Yew Hari Subramaniam Linda Wang Rabecca Lo

All rights reserved © ASIAN PATENT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION 2021 c/o TAKEUCHI IP OFFICE Manden Bldg. 6F, 11-23, Nishi-tenma 4-chome Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0047, Japan Tel: +81-6-6363-0151, Fax: +81-6-6363-0150 E-mail: secretary_general@apaa.asia E-mail: secretariat@apaa.asia

Published: 2021 ISBN: 978-93-88141-47-5

Printed in India By GOYAL Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd. for APAA

INDEX 1.

Editor’s note

Birth of APAA

Mission of APAA

Objectives of APAA

Structure of APAA

Committees of APAA

Executive Committee

Advisory Committee

Messages

10.

Message of The President, Hirohito Katsunuma

16-17

11.

Message of Kiyoshi Asamura

18-19

12.

Message of Myung-Shin Kim

13.

Message of Dato V.L. Kandan

14.

Message of Alonzo Ancheta

15.

Message of Kenji Yoshida

16.

Message of C.K. Kwong

17.

Message of Patrick Kim

18.

Message of Greg Munt

19.

Message of Amarjit Singh

20.

Tributes to Past Presidents

28-31

Kyozo Yuasa, Kiyoshi Inomata, Masao Okabe, William D. Howie 21.

Message of Francis Gurry WIPO

22.

Messageof Sozos-Christos Theodoulou ECTA

23.

Message of Renata Righetti AIPPI

24.

Message of Fiona Nicolson, LESI

25.

Message of Julian Crump, FICPI

26.

50 Years History of APAA

27.

APAA 50th Anniversary Ceremony

37-182 183-194

INDEX 28.

The Recognised Groups Stoties

195

Australia

196-197

Bangladesh

198-199

Cambodia

200-201

Hong Kong

202-203

India

204-206

Indonesia

207-209

Japan

210-211

Korea

212-213

Laos

214-215

Macau

216-217

Malaysia

218-219

Myanmar

220-221

Nepal

222-223

Newzealand

224-225

Pakistan

226-227

Philippines

228-229

Singapore

230-231

Sri Lanka

232-233

Taiwan

234-235

Thailand

236-237

Vietnam

238-239

29.

The Council 2018-2021

240-241

30.

Photographs of Councillors

242-248

31.

Presidential Elections in APAA

249-250

32.

Standing Committees Anti-Counterfeiting

251-252

252-253

INDEX 33.

Design

253-254

Emerging IP

254-255

Patents

255-256

Trademarks

256-257

Chairpersons of Special Committees Membership Extension and Development Committee

258

Special Project Committee

258

Statutes Revision Committee

259

Website Group

259

Finance Committee

260

Conference Committee

260

Conference Operation Group

260

IP Knowledge Group

260

APAA Academy Group

261

Public Publication Team

261

34.

The History of APAI & APAI Directors

262-263

35.

Recognised Groups and their Group Presidents (2019)

264

36.

APAA Membership Graph

265

37.

Years of Establishment of Recognised Groups

266

38.

Plaque of Appreciation

267

39.

Reliving the Glory (photographs)

268-271

40.

APAA Enduring Impact Award

272-277

41.

Council Meetings and General Assemblies 1969-2019

278-279

42.

Photographs of Conferences & Excursions

280-299

43.

Patent Surgery Course

300-302

44.

APAA Trademark Seminars

303-306

45.

APAA Band

307-319

46.

APAA Song

320

EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Members of The APAA Family, On behalf of the President and APAA Book Committee I am delighted to present the ‘APAA 50th Anniversary Book’ to you. This is the third book in the series of the previously published books under the leadership of the past Presidents, Myung-Shin Kim (30 years’ Anniversary Book) and Alonzo Ancheta (40 years’ Anniversary Book). This Book does not in anyway replace or modify previously published Anniversary books. The contribution made by Myung-Shin Kim and Alonzo Ancheta for the 30th and 40th year's Anniversary Books and for this book are recognised and acknowledged. The objective behind publishing the 50th Anniversary Book is to provide the young and enthusiastic members of APAA, an insight into the foundational structures of APAA, its mission, objectives, achievements and to celebrate the unity and fraternity that has developed over the years.

Amarjit Singh Sr. Vice President, APAA

The book begins with the missions and objectives of APAA and then goes on to describe the hierarchal structure of the organisation. In the following sections, due accreditation has been given to the recognised/non-recognised groups, their members, and overall achievements in the field of IPR. Since APAA is known for friendship, love, understanding, its unity, diversity and cultural upliftment, the photographs of events celebrating the same where members can be seen enjoying different traditional and cultural festivities have been spread across the entire Book, providing the members with virtual reminiscence. This Book would have been incomplete without pondering upon the 50 years’ history of APAA. I would like to sincerely thank the past Presidents including Myung-Shin Kim, Dato V.L. Kandan, Alonzo Ancheta, Kenji Yoshida, C.K. Kwong, Patrick Kim, who checked & verified the history for taking time out of their busy schedules and verifying the voluminous history of APAA, ensuring that the members are provided with genuine and proper history of the great APAA fraternity. I would also like to state that this Book and this fraternity would not have become a reality, had it not been for the monumental contributions of its forefathers who are unfortunately no longer with us. To commemorate their hard work and vision, I have taken the liberty to present their life and achievements as a part of this Book. I consider myself fortunate to have had this opportunity. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Book Committee members Hirohito Katsunuma, Greg Munt, C.K Kwong, Patrick Kim, Pablo Gancayco, Kozo Takeuchi, Woon Chooi Yew, Hari Subramaniam, Linda Wang and Rabecca Lo for their words of wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support. I am also thankful to everyone who has helped in making of this Book in one way or another, including the Publishers and my Juniors who have assisted me throughout. Though all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the contents and photographs as per the records maintained by the seceretariat, any omission or error is purely accidental and regretted. In the end, I hope we have done justice in commemorating the 50 years of APAA into this one fine Book. Best wishes to all of you! Happy Reading!

When events in one's life are remembered or celebrated, we necessarily have to recall the start or the beginning of that life. Thus, when a birth anniversary is celebrated we should know when that person was born so we can look back in history as a point of reference. So the question of where, how and when APAA came into existence would be relevant. The idea was conceived after three delegates from the Japan Patent Attorneys Association attended International Meetings in Geneva under the sponsorship of BIRPI (United International Bureaux for the Protection of Intellectual Property) regarding preparation for a Patent Cooperation Treaty. They were informed after the meeting that any nongovernmental organisation like the JPAA which they were representing) might not be invited to future meetings if that organisation's membership was limited to only one country. BIRPI it will be recalled, was the predecessor of the present WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation). Those delegates by the way were Messrs. Kiyoshi Asamura, Masao Okabe and Nobuyuki Matsubara. Following the above delegates' return to Japan, a select group of Japanese patent attorneys consisting of Messrs. Kiyoshi Asamura, Mitsuya Ikenaga, Kiyoshi Inomata, Takashi Ishihara, Nobuyuki Matsubara, Fumio Ohtsuka, Masao Okabe, Ms. Sumiko Shimosaka and Dr. Kyozo Yuasa started in March 1969 to study and deliberate on the structure, name and statutes of an international non-governmental organisation to be formed. It all began in March of the year 1969. Mr. Kiyoshi Asamura, Mr. Masao Okabe, and Mr. Nobuyuki Matsubara visited the Bureaux for the Protection of Intellectual Property (BIRPI, predecessor of the WIPO), which suggested them to form an international, non-governmental organisation in Asia. With only three short months to go, the founders took the initiative to send the necessary letters and to get everything in order before the deadline for establishing the association.

BIRTH OF APAA

MISSION The principal object of APAA is to promote and enhance intellectual property protection throughout the Asian Region. Specifically, its objects are: To foster ties of mutual friendship and understanding among individuals and organisations practising the profession of patent attorney in the Asian region and through such ties to promote the protection of intellectual property in the region.

•

To consider all manner of questions affecting intellectual property and the interests of APAA.

•

To co-operate and engage in activities in conjunction with other organisations.

•

To arrange social and recreational activities for members and generally to promote knowledge of intellectual property law in the Asian region.

MISSION

•

The Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting and enhancing intellectual property protection in the Asian region (including Australia and New Zealand). Established in December 1969, membership of APAA is open to individuals practising the profession of patent attorney in the Asian region as well as organisations which comprise such individuals and are constituted in the Asian region. The association now has about 2,400 members from 21 Recognised Groups in Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam and independent members from Bhutan, Brunei and Mongolia. The members include some of Asia’s leading practitioners of intellectual property law. They meet annually at a Council meeting and biennial at a General Assembly at a location within the Asian Region to, amongst others, network and exchange views and information concerning intellectual property protection in the Region. In the hope that delegates and observers would be reminded of fond memories of their attendance, a chronological listing of said meetings is included in this book.

OBJECTIVE

STRUCTURE The governing body of APAA is the Council which comprises members appointed by each of the Recognised Groups. It meets once a year and makes decisions on policy and operational matters upon a vote of the majority of the members present and voting. The decisions are conveyed to or approved by the APAA members at a General Assembly held every two years. The Executive Committee reports to the Council on policy and operational matters of the association. It comprises the President, President Elect, the Senior Vice-Presidents, the Secretary-General and the Treasurer who, together with the Past Presidents, meet whenever necessary. The meeting is known as the Executive Meeting. The Advisory Board composed of the Officers of the Association is a consultative body which advices the President on policy issues.

STRUCTURE

The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General. The Secretariat and Secretary-General may be contacted for any assistance. The work of the association relating to the specific areas of intellectual property law is carried out by a standing Committee. 1. Anti-Counterfeiting Committee 2. Copyright Committee 3. Designs Committee 4. Emerging IP Rights Committee 5. Patents Committee 6. Trademarks Committee

Council President Advisory Committee Appointed by the President

Executive Committee Senior Vice Presidents (up to 3), Secretary General and Treasurer

Standing Committees Anti-Counterfeiting Copyright Designs Emerging IP Rights Patents Trademarks

Other Committees/Groups Finance Conference Conference Operations Membership Extension Statute Revision Academy Groups - Standing Committees & Workshops - Public Publication - Patent Surgery & Trademark Caravan Website IP Knowledge Forum Special Projects

The work of the association relating to the various areas of intellectual property law (such as copyright, patents and trademark) is carried out by a number of Standing Committees whose Chairpersons are appointed by the Council. The work includes reviewing latest developments in the law in the Asian region, conducting studies on selected issues and submitting proposals for improvement in the law and practice.

COMMITTEES

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

ExCom

(2018 - 2021)

Hirohito Katsunuma President

Greg Munt President Elect

Amarjit Singh Sr. Vice President

Pablo Gancayco Sr. Vice President

Kozo Takeuchi Secretary General

Woon Chooi Yew Treasurer

AdCom

ADVISORY COMMITTEE (2018 - 2021)

C.K. Kwong

Patrick Kim

Michael Soo

Kei Iida

Xuan Bac

Casey An

Linda Wang

Hari Subramaniam

J.K. Lin

Rebecca Lo

Joyce Ho

Yawar Khan

A. Ferdinand S. Fider

Soh Kar Liang

Anton Blijlevens

MESSAGES

Hirohito Katsunuma This year in 2019, APAA completes 50 years of its establishment and it is indeed a moment that fills my heart with pride and humility for I have had the privilege of being associated with APAA and serving its cause, to the best of my ability, for two decades in its history of five. APAA was formed in 1969 with the collaborative effort of representatives of three regions, being Japan, Korea and Taiwan. It is not an easy way to muster different Nationalities and dissenting Laws into one head. Nevertheless, APAA is now an immense organisation, boasting of over 2,500 members belonging to the 24 Regions and 21 Recognised Groups. The credit for rendering APAA’s survival for 50 years and success goes to all members, for which I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member. As well, I cannot forget the incredible leadership of the former Presidents of APAA and leaders. Looking back at the semi-centennial history of APPA, I cannot help but wonder about our future. The era of 2019 is a time when technology and life are changing rapidly due to the highspeed distribution of information in a large amount through the Internet. In these days, any user of the Intellectual Properties (IP) can instantly access IP information. A part of services which was traditionally provided by the IP practitioner can be provided by artificial intelligence. Consequently, the IP practitioners are required to provide services that are at a higher level than those available through the Internet or artificial intelligence. Therefore, the future APAA should be able to provide its members with what they need. In addition, the future APAA should work for further development of Intellectual Properties. To my belief, firstly, APAA needs to strengthen the tie between the Association and each individual member. APAA should be able to provide each member with his/her necessary information at the right time. Each individual member should be able to directly interact with the Association. The tie between APAA and each member is the key source for a better future in any case. Secondly, I would like APAA to be a transparent and fair Association to every member. Each member must be treated equally as a member, even if he/she belongs to a minority party. Therefore, all decision processes in APAA should be democratic, transparent and fair.

Thirdly, APAA needs to increase its inclination towards academia. Academia holds the key to our future as it would not only benefit APAA at the International front but would help in building the Intellectual Property Laws of the Asian region befitting the changing times. Fourthly, I would like APAA to have a cyberspace platform where the members can exchange information, develop ideas on IP and build the business together. This is the development goal that APAA should focus on in the coming years. It would not only create a broader vision for APAA but would also serve as a catalyst for the young members starting out their journey in the IP World. Finally, APAA should increase its voice internationally to further develop Intellectual Property. APAA may strengthen the alliance with other international NGO to together speak as the users of the Intellectual Property Systems. APAA should dispatch more opinion as a unique Asian IP Association. On top of the above mentioned future plans, I cannot forget to mention the most important thing for APAA which is the “friendship” among us. APAA accommodates various tribes, cultures and languages in the Asian region under one umbrella. The friendship is the basic spirit of APAA accepting differences of different people with respect and warm welcome. I believe it is the unchangeable basis of us. This has been my vision for APAA, and I would like to hand-over this baton to the future leaders as well, for it is up to them to make APAA better, each year, in its hopeful perennial existence. Being the President of APAA has been a humble opportunity for me and writing this message as the 12th President of APAA for its 50th Year Anniversary Book is a dream come true. I would forever be committed to its cause and I would like to urge the young generation, present and yet to come, and the future leaders of tomorrow to be dedicated to APAA’s mission and keep their work for its cause in the continuum. Last but not the least, I would like to congratulate the Book Committee of APAA, chaired by Mr. Amarjit Singh (India) Sr. Vice President for giving life to this Celebratory Book. I would like to thank the Committee and the Indian Group for taking responsibility to publish this book and for their exemplary hard work in helping APAA cherish its 50 years of existence. I hope that all of you enjoy reading this Book! President, APAA (2018-2021)

Kiyoshi Asamura The Asian Patent Attorneys Association was established 50 years ago in 1969. In May of 1970, a diplomatic conference of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) was planned in Washington, D.C., but only international non-governmental organisations were qualified to attend the conference as observers. Representatives of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association attended the preparatory meeting of the PCT, which was held at the United International Bureaux for the Protection of Intellectual Property (BIRPI) in Genève. However, in order to qualify to participate in the diplomatic conference, the Secretary General of BIRPI recommended the Japanese attorneys establish a non-governmental organisation for industrial property rights, made up of at least three regions in the Asian region. To that effect, the Japan Patent Attorneys Association sent an appeal to attorneys in Korea and Taiwan, suggesting that the three regions of Japan, Korea and Taiwan, should establish a nongovernmental organisation, and as a result the APAA was born. The objective of the APAA is “To foster ties of mutual friendship and understanding among those who are practicing the profession of patent attorney in the Asian Region and through such ties to promote the proper protection and development of Intellectual Property in the Asian Region.” The association has endeavored to carry out this objective, which is written in the APAA Statutes. There are a multitude of regions with various languages and cultures in the Asian Region. Furthermore, the rules regarding the attorneys practicing industrial property rights were weak and not well-established in the past. Due to the establishment of the Asian Patent Attorneys Association, the system of industrial property rights (which later became known as “intellectual property rights”) in the Asian Region and the patent attorney system became more stabilised and progressed to develop the Asian region as a whole. Near the turn of the 21st century, advanced countries in Europe and America started saying “The 21st century is the era for Asia.”

I was involved with the Asian Patent Attorneys Association since it was first founded, and was the 5th President of the Association for six years from 1994 to 2000. In 2014, I was privileged to be selected as an Honorary President of the APAA. The APAA has had 12 presidents over the past 50 years, and under the strong leadership of each president, the APAA became recognised by the WIPO as an NGO of the Asian Region. It is my great hope that the APAA continues to bring great prosperity and development to the Asian Region for the next 100 years and beyond. Former President (1994-1997; 1997-2000) Honorary President, APAA

Mr. Kiyoshi Asamura being conferred the Honor of being appointed Honorary President of APAA

Myung-Shin Kim At my suggestion in 1998, it was decided that a commemorative book retracing the 30 year history of the APAA, from 1969 to 1999, would be published, and I was honored to work as an editor. This book was published in November 2000, just before my inauguration as the 6th President of APAA. Thereafter, the APAA 40th anniversary book was published in 2011. At that time, former President, Mr. Alonzo Q. Ancheta served as an editor. Recently, we decided to publish the APAA 50th anniversary book in 2019, for which the editor is Mr. Amarjit Singh. Taking this opportunity, I would like to recall my works for the APAA. First, I formed the APAA Band with our members and observers in Sydney in 1997 and we have performed every year since then and entertained the participants of the annual APAA meetings. Second, I prepared a base to establish a juristic person for the APAA. Third, I changed Article 8.3 of our Statutes. According to the new article, the number of members appointed by any one Recognised Group to Council shall not exceed 25 or one quarter of the total number of the Council Members at any given time, whichever is the lower. Fourth, a special resolution that I proposed was passed unanimously, saying that we exceptionally treat Chinese members same as our regular members when they would attend our meetings, even if they are not regular members due to the one China issue. Fifth, I served as President for only one single term. This was different from my predecessors. Sixth, I changed our regulations for the term of office of each Committee Chairperson. According to the new one, the maximum term of office is six years. I believe that this book will help others to understand the history of the APAA. Former President, APAA (2000-2003) Honorary President, APAA

Dato V.L. Kandan The Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) was formed on the initiative of the Japanese Patent Attorneys Association, primarily to get Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) status with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Initially it was a grouping of patent attorneys from the founder member countries — Japan, South Korea and the Republic of China (Taiwan), with the primary objective of fostering ties of mutual friendship and understanding amongst patent attorneys in the Asian Region. In the last decade of the last century and in the first decade of this century there has been exponential growth in membership and extension of the region covered. What used to be an organisation for industrial property — patents, industrial designs and trademarks — APAA became an organisation for all forms of intellectual property rights. During this period, I had the privilege and honour, first as a Councillor, then as Senior Vice President and finally as President, to help grow the organisation and expand its activities. The objectives too expanded to what they are today: ‘considering all matters affecting intellectual property rights, cooperating with other organisations with similar objectives’ etc. Structure and governance were changed and enhanced; content and discussion of our meetings kept abreast of developments in the rest of the world, sometimes leading them. That made APAA annual meetings an important and much sought-after event for IP practitioners from throughout the world. On this occasion of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary, I salute the Founding Fathers. I congratulate the President and Members of APAA. May APAA prosper and continue to give counsel and leadership to the IP World for another fifty years and more. Former President, APAA (2003-2006) Honorary President, APAA

Alonzo Ancheta It is with mixed feelings of humility, fulfillment and honor to be able to participate through this humble message in the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of APAA this year. Although I was not privileged to be in Japan in 1969 when the seeds of APAA were first sowed, I still feel that my first attendance at the APAA General Assembly in Taipei in 1972 was close enough to identify myself with the growth and development of APAA into one of the most vibrant and friendly organisations in Asia with a worldwide reach to boot. Looking back, I feel privileged to have had a lead role as APAA President for the years 2006-2009 when we introduced changes or reforms calculated to strengthen the organisation internally and externally into a truly international dynamic group. Truth to tell, I know that these initiatives were not readily accepted by all at that time but I am confident that history and time will prove that I had the best of intentions towards democratisation and internationalisation of APAA. Corollary to internal strengthening, may I take this opportunity to bring back to mind my call for friendship and unity under the acronym FLU—Friendship, Love and Understanding — and hope that our regular members and virtual members from all over the world will continue to embrace FLU as a moving spirit in our relationships with one another. Congratulations to a great IP organisation — the APAA — and to the inspiring leadership of our original founding members. Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, 3 June 2019. Former President, APAA (2006-2009)

Kenji Yoshida I had the honour of being elected President in 2009 at the Hong Kong General Assembly, succeeding President Alonzo Ancheta. I attempted to serve the APAA in a manner worthy of those who elected and those who preceded me, but, as I look back, two advancements are especially strong in my memory the first open elections, and the first visit of a sitting APAA President to Pakistan. Up through my election, our association had worked well with an informal system where the retiring President nominated a successor for formal election by the Council in accordance with the Statutes. As we grew, we faced the healthy reality of multiple candidates strongly wishing to serve the association. I relied upon Past President Ancheta and the relevant committees to codify rules for open nominations and elections, and we held our first openly contested elections in 2012. I believe this was a major step forward for our association, made at the right time, and also that the enhanced transparency and involvement has improved the relationship between the membership and the President and their advisors. During my term, I was invited to Karachi by President Fazil Mohammad Bharucha of the Pakistan Recognised Group. Although our Pakistan group had extended multiple invitations to the APAA President, I was the first to accept. I am pleased that most of my ExCom and AdCom joined me, and in 2012 we were able to show our respect for the Pakistan Recognised Group by traveling to Pakistan. The situation was indeed eye-opening, but we truly enjoyed great hospitality and the beauty of Karachi. Former President, APAA (2009-2012)

C.K. Kwong Since the publication of the 40th Anniversary Commemorative Book, we are happily celebrating the Association’s Golden Jubilee. In tandem with advance in technology and the high speed development of economies worldwide as well as the rise of Asia, APAA has also taken on a new look and developed in a different dimension in the last 10 years. With the foresight of our Founding Fathers half a century ago in crafting our First Constitution and the good foundations laid by each APAA Administration, I was able to start with a solid platform in 2012 when I took office as the first openly elected APAA President. During my 36 years as member of the Association, I have witnessed how it has transformed from an informal friendly association, into a broad-based organisation with over 2,400 members from 24 jurisdictions. I was given the honour and privilege by my seniors to initiate various reforms including the Workshop Group, CPD accreditation, establishment of the Asian Patent Attorneys, Inc. (APAI), developing a close relationship with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and compilation of the Conference Manual. During my Administration these were continued and some intensified with enlarged participation by members into the establishment of the APAA Academy (with its three streams of education, publication and conference program), regular Patent Training Course, and other special purpose committees. Drastic changes have taken place in the world around us and within our own professional practices. IP trading and ADR will become the norm. The use of A.I. will bring further challenges and opportunities. We shall need to continue investing in capacity building to meet the future. In contrast with but complement to the “moderately drastic” changes at the beginning of the last decade, the current Administration is consolidating nicely with the view to advance further. While each administration will have its own style, I am fully confident that with the commitment to serve in the best interest of the Association selflessly, we shall be able to welcome and embrace ourselves with the opportunities which await us in the next 10 years and the years to come, hopefully with our jurisdictions covering the entire Asian Continent if we are to carry the flag of “Asia for Asia”. Former President of APAA (2012-2015)

Patrick Kim Half a century has passed since our association was established in 1969. There have been great changes over the years, especially in the field of intellectual property. The power and voices of Asian countries in the IP field have become more enhanced. The number of members in the association increased sharply from 19 in 1969 to more than 2,500. The number of the recognised groups in the association also increased from 3 in 1969 to 21. Now, our association has become one of the most renowned intellectual property associations in the world, and we are very proud of being the only Intellectual Property association representing benefits of Asian countries. This is surely due to the great efforts, dedication, devotion and contributions of our frontier members and senior members. We are so much indebted to our seniors, and have an obligation to let our juniors know about it. In Asia, there are still many countries which require our assistance for developing Intellectual Property legislation. It will be our objective to do our utmost best to assist them. The association has evolved greatly over the years. At the 66th Council Meeting in Bali, we had the first extra ordinary General Assembly of the association in order to amend the APAA Statutes, adopting a “president-elect” system and shortening the term of APAA presidency from three years to two years. These changes will provide the association’s members with more opportunities to be involved in the management of the association. Furthermore, in order to work toward a more democratic society, we also introduced an electronic voting system in the council meetings. I believe that these changes are important milestones for entering a new era of the association. I hope that this 50th anniversary book will not only remain as a commemoration to the association but also as a history of the association for our juniors to understand and remember the efforts of our seniors. Immediate Past President APAA (2015-2018)

Greg Munt “50 years is an amazing achievement. APAA was formed by the Recognised Groups of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan with considerable foresight of these Groups and has grown substantially whilst retaining its key personality characteristics. APAA has changed substantially in some ways, but the changes have improved the organisation and have not moved the organisation away from its core values. There is a uniqueness and a charm about APAA that I have not found in other organisations. This is due to the structure of APAA Meetings allowing Members and Observers opportunities to meet and develop long term friendships that extend beyond the Meetings that, in my case, have grown and become a very important part of my life beyond APAA. In addition, APAA Meetings have always provided convenient and relaxed opportunities for forming and building business relationships within and outside the Asian region that are important for the firms we represent. The changes include a steady increase in the educational content of APAA Meetings, with material available on the APAA website. We have also seen the recent formation of the APAA Academy, delivering training courses within the Asian region. The international engagement of APAA within the wider IP community has been and continues to be a strength of APAA. I am very grateful for being able to be a part of APAA, commencing with the Seoul General Assembly in 1988. ” President Elect, APAA (2018-2021)

Amarjit Singh

Words of Appreciation for APAA Past Presidents Kyozo Yuasa, Kiyoshi Inomata, Masao Okabe, William D. Howie As the Senior Vice President of Asian Patent Attorneys Association, the proud privilege to shed light on the lives of the past Presidents of this Association, who are no longer with us, falls on me as a humble duty. For truly, this book per se, would not be complete without sharing with you all the efforts, dedication and resilience that the senior past Presidents of this Association have put into making APAA what it is today. The vision behind sharing the accomplishments of the senior Presidents with the readers, especially with the young members, is to provide them the opportunity to know APAA’s history better, and a hope to instill in them the sense of responsibility that is required in being a part of this extraordinary Association. Sr. Vice President, APAA (2015-2018) (2018-2021)

Kyozo Yuasa Dr. Kyozo Yuasa, was a barrister who served as the first Japanese Counsel for the World Bank and GHQ in the late 1940’s. He was a part of the initial committee of nine members that deliberated founding of an International Non-Governmental Organisation, in 1969, to create a space for the Intellectual Property Law in Asian region; which we know as Asian Patent Attorneys Association today. Dr. Kyozo Yuasa played an influential role in laying down the structure of APAA. In order to make this organisation internationally strong enough and to be able to participate in the Diplomatic Conferences for the Patent Corporation Treaty (PCT), which was then to be held in the Spring of 1970, Dr. Yuasa successfully gathered support from Republic of China and Korea in favour of APAA. Thereafter, Dr. Yuasa was elected as the Chairman Preparatory Committee for the establishment of APAA. The headquarter office for the functioning of the Committee was set up in the office of M/s. Yuasa and Hara; a Law Firm founded by Dr. Yuasa in Japan. Dr. Kyozo Yuasa was later appointed as a President in the first Council Meeting of APAA, held on 26th December 1969 and served as the President of APAA till 1974. During his tenure as President, Japan Group of APAA, Republic of China Group of APAA and the Hong Kong Group of APAA were established. He served as the Honorary President of APAA from 1994 for life. The entire fraternity of APAA is deeply thankful to the contributions of Dr. Yuasa and the same shall forever be in remembrance. Former President, APAA (1969-1974)

Kiyoshi Inomata Mr. Kiyoshi Inomata was an integral part of the founding process of APAA along with Dr. Kyozo Yuasa, whom he succeeded as the President of APAA, during the 10th Council Meeting held in the year 1974. He served as the President till 1982 with a vision to extend APAA’s boundaries and strengthen its foundation. Hence, Philippines Group of APAA was established and New Zealand Group of APAA was approved while he served his term. The headquarter office of APAA was shifted to KYOWA Law & Patent Office, Tokyo; a reputed IPR law firm of Japan where Mr. Inomata served as President from 1961-1985. As members of APAA, we have Mr. Inomata to thank for giving us the symbol mark of APAA which, today, not only unites us all in diversity but also gives us our identity as an International Association. The symbol was adopted in the 5th General Assembly of APAA held in 1979. Under his tutelage, it was decided that the Patent Attorneys or Agents who are not practicing in the Asian region but in Europe, USA or Middle East region could attend the APAA Meetings as an observer, if not a member. This was a huge step taken forward in building the repute and fame of APAA by allowing non-Asian countries to participate and help APAA in becoming the voice of Intellectual Property Law, internationally. Mr. Inomata commenced the practice of an ‘observer’ that APAA has kept in continuum. The credit for creating voice for APAA and providing it with an identity goes to Mr. Inomata and for this the APAA fraternity shall forever be indebted to him. Former President, APAA (1974-1982)

Masao Okabe At the 21st Council Meeting in 1982, Mr. Masao Okabe from Japan was elected as the Third President of APAA. Interestingly, he too was one of the founding Father’s of APAA along side Dr. Yuasa and Mr. Inomata. Mr. Okabe’s contributions to bring life into APAA are worthy of appreciation and it is for this reason that Mr. Okabe, after termination of his term as President in 1988, was made the Honorary President of the Association, for life, in 2001. 1980’s was the period where gathering support, in numbers, was quintessential for APAA. In order for the People's Republic of China to be able to become an APAA member in 1985, an amendment of Article 5 of the APAA Statutes was proposed under the leadership of Mr. Okabe. The Council decided to recommend an amendment of the Statutes to change "National" Group to "Recognised" Group. It was also proposed that a Statutes Revision Committee be formed to study and revise the entire Statutes of APAA. In 1987, during Mr. Okabe’s tenure, India joined APAA as the 14th Member Country; giving rise to the ever-increasing membership of APPA and also its popularity. In 1988, APAA achieved a milestone by approving the revision of the Statues of APAA and accordingly changing the naming of member group from “National” to “Recognised” Group wherein creation of recognised group was to be a separate and distinctive body for Intellectual Property Law. The Regulations of APAA were also adopted in this period. The entire Association of APAA is in deep admiration for the significant contributions of Mr. Okabe and appreciates his leadership in taking APAA forward during his tenure. Former President, APAA (1982-1988)

William D. Howie Mr. Howie, from New Zealand, was elected as the 4th President of APAA in the 29th Council Meeting held in October 1988. During his tenure, major events occurred in the workings of the Association, like: • • • • • •

Malaysia Group of APAA was approved as the 9th recognised Group; Patent Attorney from People of Republic of China (who changed its name to the Taiwan Group following the 1988 amendments in the Statutes of APAA) attended as observer for the first time; In 1992, for the first time a member from Vietnam attended the 34th Council Meeting; The Singapore Group was approved as the 10th Recognised Group of APAA; In the year 1993, for the first time, a member from Nepal attended APAA and FICPI held as a Joint Seminar in Niigata, Japan; In the year 1994, India, Indonesia and Pakistan groups were approved as the 11th, 12th and 13th Groups of APAA, respectively followed by Bangladesh Group as 14th however, it was subject to President’s assent.

Mr. Howie was a celebrated President of APAA and to mark his contributions further, he was elected as the Honorary President of the Association, for life, in 2001. The Association is thankful to Mr. Howie for leading APAA by example and for being committed to its cause for life. His dedication is indeed inspirational to me and to many others who are a part of APAA today. Former President, APAA (1988-1994)

MESSAGE FROM SISTER ORGANISATIONS

Francis Gurry On behalf of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), I offer my congratulations to the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) on its 50th Anniversary. I take this opportunity to likewise express WIPO’s warm wishes to APAA’s more than 2,500 members in its 21 recognised groups who, as the Association’s website notes, “play an influential role in promoting and enhancing intellectual property protection in the Asian Region.” We at WIPO greatly appreciate our interactions with APAA and its members, who speak at WIPO events, and who act as panelists in WIPO-administered arbitrations, mediations and domain name cases as well as in their capacities as representatives of applicants filing applications under WIPO’s international registration systems. As APAA and its members are well aware, the current intellectual property-related dynamism and demand for intellectual property rights in the Asian region is unprecedented, and APAA’s members are of course heavily involved in assisting clients from within the region and those from other regions which are seeking intellectual property protection in Asia. It is in recognition of this dynamism that WIPO is seeking to be more present in and provide even better services within the region. Indeed, WIPO has also a very active presence in the Asian region, including through its WIPO External Offices (in Beijing, with the WIPO Office in China (WOC), in Tokyo with the WIPO Japan Office (WJO) and in Singapore with the WIPO Singapore Office (WSO), which covers the ASEAN region) bringing us closer to our stakeholders and clients. In that connection, WIPO looks forward to continuing to work closely with APAA and its members on areas of mutual interest. In addition to the historical linkage between our two organisations, WIPO also shares with APAA many of its core objectives and activities, including providing for exchanges of views concerning intellectual property protection, and seeking to improve international and national intellectual property norms. WIPO is grateful to APAA for its efforts in advancing those aims, and in seeking to strengthen our partnership. I remain convinced that, as the histories of our two organisations have been linked in the past, so will be too our future work together, as we undertake from our respective vantage points to address the challenges and seize the opportunities presented within the intellectual property world. I am certain that APAA will continue to play a key and increasingly important role in the next half century. Please accept WIPO’s congratulations and our warm wishes on this momentous occasion. Director General WIPO (2019) 32

Sozos-Christos Theodoulou

Collaborating with you has been a real honour. ECTA values each and every achievement APAA has accomplished in promoting awareness and knowledge of intellectual property law and enhancing intellectual property protection in the Asian Region. I look forward to the continuation of the cooperation between our associations and I am convinced that it will lead to many fruitful discussions and exchanges of ideas for the benefit of the IP world. On behalf of ECTA, once again, sincere congratulations to you for all your efforts and accomplishments and I wish APAA many more years of success!

President of ECTA (2019)

MESSAGE FROM SISTER ORGANISATIONS

The 50th corporate anniversary is a day to celebrate success and achievements. On this happy occasion I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to APAA for completing five glorious decades of success.

MESSAGE FROM SISTER ORGANISATIONS

Renata Righetti It is my great pleasure and privilege to express to the President, Mr. Hirohito Katsunuma, and to all the Officers and Members of the Asian Patent Attorney Association my sincere personal congratulations and those of AIPPI, the Association I have the honor to represent. Achieving 50 years of life and activity is a very significant milestone for the Association, for all its Members and for the whole world of Intellectual Property. Undoubtedly, the work done by APAA throughout the years is of great value even far beyond the borders of the Asian Pacific region. AIPPI strongly values the cooperation with APAA having at heart the development of the economy and peoples through research, innovation and creativity as well as the protection of their results. In this way the IP culture can grow, and, as a result, a healthy global economy, increasingly ethical, can be developed. The cherished acronym of APAA ”FLU- Friendship, Love and Understanding” really summarise the positive and confident attitude of mutual respect and affection. To all of you, dear and esteemed friends of APAA, best wishes to look back with pride and satisfaction at the past 50 years. At the same time best wishes to look forward with confidence to the next goals, to your continue growth in numbers and influence along with your next successes, because your contribution is fundamental in our common IP world. President of AIPPI (2019)

Fiona Nicolson

As President of LESI, I was honoured to attend the 50th birthday celebrations in Tokyo earlier this month. At these very enjoyable celebrations it was clear to all that through great leadership and friendship, APAA has built a vibrant and successful organisation which continues to flourish. LESI is delighted to be regarded as a sister organisation and I hope very much that our two organisations can continue to build on our excellent relationship and collaborate on projects of mutual interest in the years to come.

President of LESI (2019)

MESSAGE FROM SISTER ORGANISATIONS

As this year’s President of the Licensing Executives Society International, and on behalf of our entire Board, I would like to warmly congratulate everyone at the APAA on your 50th anniversary which is truly a wonderful achievement.

MESSAGE FROM SISTER ORGANISATIONS

Julian Crump

FICPI is delighted to congratulate APAA on achieving its 50th Anniversary. FICPI has always regarded APAA as a true “sister” organisation, not least because APAA’s membership, like FICPI’s, is composed of individuals practising the profession of patent attorney. Perhaps for this reason at least, FICPI and APAA have often held similar views and supported each other on important issues of the day, such as patent law harmonisation. FICPI has greatly welcomed APAA’s support for its positions on topics of relevance to the profession, including that of local representation. And, while FICPI is today an international organisation, its roots are found in Europe, and we will be ever grateful to APAA for its unstinting support for FICPI’s growth in Asia, beginning with our first joint seminar in 1994 in Nigata, Japan, which was followed by other joint meetings in New Delhi in 2000 and Newport Beach in 2002, and for our Southeast Asian Patent Drafting (SEAD) courses, which started in the 1990s in Singapore and continue to this day, with future courses planned for the Philippines and India. Indeed, the origins of FICPI’s own national section in India can probably be traced back to the New Delhi meeting with APAA. It has always been with great pleasure that FICPI has attended APAA’s Council Meetings and welcomed APAA’s president to our own EXCO meetings. FICPI looks forward to strengthening our bonds of friendship and collegiality with APAA over the next half-century and beyond. President of FICPI (2019)

50 YEARS HISTORY OF APAA

50 YEARS HISTORY OF APAA (1969-2019) Over the past five decades and counting, the Asian Patent Attorneys Association has grown substantially with its membership and positive influence since the establishment of APAA on December 26, 1969. Not too long after the APAA was established, the association rapidly expanded and became increasingly recognised worldwide. At the start, there were just three member regions, and now in 2019, the association has grown to include 21 recognised groups and independent members from three States At the annual APAA conferences which consist of annual Council Meetings and biennial General Assemblies, participants are able to increase their knowledge of international IP matters while strengthening bonds with others from around the world. Participants are given unique opportunities to interact with each other through the conference program academic events and social events, including the culturally diverse parties, and also have opportunities outside of the conference program to network. Through the presentations of the various recognised groups on their respective regions’ IP matters, APAA members can stay up-to-date with international IP matters in the Asia region. The atmosphere created by the APAA is truly unique and personal.

March 1969

1969-1979: 1st Decade

Mr. Kiyoshi Asamura, Mr. Masao Okabe and Mr. Nobuyuki Matsubara attended the International Meetings for preparation of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) held in Geneva under the sponsorship of the United International Bureaux for the Protection of Intellectual Property (BIRPI, the predecessor Organisation of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)), as representatives of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association. After the meeting BIRPI informed them that any non-governmental organisation in which membership is limited to only one country may not be invited to the Diplomatic Conferences held under the sponsorship of BIRPI in the future and suggested to them to form an international non-governmental organisation in Asia consisting of at least 3 geographical jurisdictions.

June 1969

Mr. Kiyoshi Asamura, Mr. Mitsuya Ikenaga, Mr. Kiyoshi Inomata, Mr. Takashi Ishihara, Mr. Nobuyuki Matsubara, Mr. Fumiaki Ohtsuka, Mr. Masao Okabe, Ms. Sumiko Shimosaka and Dr. Kyozo Yuasa started to study and deliberate the particulars relating to the structure, name and statutes of the international non-governmental organisation to be formed. The name of the organisation was tentatively “The Asian Patent Attorneys Association”(APAA) on the basis that such organisation should cover the Asian region. BIRPI advised them that it was necessary

to form such international non-governmental organisation by the end of 1969 at latest in order to be invited to the Diplomatic Conference for the PCT to be held in Spring, 1970. Dr. Kyozo Yuasa unofficially sent letters to Mr. Yin-Chen Lee of the then Republic of China and Mr. Suh-I1 Kim of the Republic of Korea, in order to sound out their opinions on the forming of APAA.

September 1969

The Preparatory Committee for Establishment of APAA was formed in Japan and Dr. Kyozo Yuasa was elected as the Chairman of the Committee. A Headquarter office was set up in the office of Messrs Yuasa, Sakamoto, Kawai and Ikenaga.

December 16, 1969 The Korean Group of APAA was established.

December 26, 1969

The association was established on December 26, 1969, by the three regions of Japan, Korea and Taiwan (known as “Republic of China” at the time). The Meetings of the Promoters and Inaugural Assembly of APAA were held at the Marunouchi Hall in Tokyo, Japan. 19 patent attorneys including 17 Japanese, one from Republic of China and one from Korea attended the Meetings. The Inaugural Assembly selected “The Asian Patent Attorneys Association” (APAA) as the official name and adopted the Statutes of APAA. The following six persons were appointed as tentative Councillors of APAA; Republic of China: Mr. Yin-Chen Lee, Mr. Min-Sheng Lin Japan: Mr. Kiyoshi Inomata, Dr. Kyozo Yuasa Republic of Korea: Mr. Byong-Ho Lee, Mr. Jae-Kwan Yang The 1st Council Meeting following the Assembly appointed Dr. Kyozo Yuasa (Japan) as the President and Mr. Kiyoshi Inomata (Japan), Mr. Yin-Chen Lee (Republic of China) and Mr. ByongHo Lee (Republic of Korea) as the Vice Presidents, respectively. Right after the association was established, APAA was officially registered with BIRPI (Bureaux Internationaux Reunis pour la Protection de la Propriete Intellectuelle). BIRPI is the predecessor of the present WIPO. From the very inception of the APAA, efforts were made to invite and include as many IP attorneys from the Asian region as possible. This initiative has helped to grow the association to include the thousands of members that it has today.

There were some necessary logistical changes that were made during the first decade, with respect to this association being composed of members from various nations. For instance, membership fees were paid to a bank in Japan, and currency transaction fees caused inconveniences for the APAA regions outside Japan, so a bank account for transacting in USD was created later on.

March 30, 1970

The Japan Group of APAA was established.

July 25-27, 1970

The 1st General Assembly and 2nd Council Meeting were held at the Tokyo Hilton Hotel in Tokyo, Japan.

November 10-11, 1970

The 3rd Council Meeting was held at the Chosun Hotel in Seoul, the Republic of Korea.

February 1971

A Member List “APAA MEMBERS 1971”, introducing 36 members from the Republic of China, 332 members from Japan and 39 members from the Republic of Korea as of October 31, 1970, was published.

July 10, 1971

The Republic of China Group of APAA was established.

November 11-12, 1971

The 4th Council Meeting was held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan.

April 8-10, 1972

The 2nd General Assembly and 5th and 6th Council Meetings were held at the Ambassador Hotel in Taipei, the Republic of China. Attendees included delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and the Philippines. At the 6th Council Meeting following the Assembly, Dr. Kyozo Yuasa was re-elected as the President of APAA.

August 1972

The Minutes of the Tokyo Council Meeting in 1971 were published.

April 8-9, 1973

The 7th Council Meeting was held at the Mandarin Hotel in Hong Kong. New Zealand was approved as member country of APAA. Membership Fee From 1977, membership fees were decided to “… be the monetary equivalent of 3,000 Japanese yen or more for each individual member and 10,000 Japanese yen or more for each member org.”

Stated that in 1973, a unanimous decision was made to include Australia and New Zealand as members of APAA. Recognised Groups During the first decade, five additional recognised groups were formed to comprise a total of eight groups: Japan, Korea, Taiwan (Republic of China), Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines, and New Zealand. At that time, the groups were called “national groups”, and what later became known as the Taiwan Recognised Group was originally called “Republic of China” group. Official Language (1972 minutes Taipei): the general assembly was in English but simultaneous translations into Chinese and Japanese were provided. Ad Hoc Committees Ad Hoc Committees were periodically created as needed for specific purposes, such as the Ad Hoc Committee for the Study of the Revision of the Paris Convention. WIPO The APAA had sent representatives to attend sessions of the Preparatory Intergovernmental Committee for the revision of the Paris Convention to raise their views on matters affecting APAA. The APAA viewed this initiative as very important in allowing APAA’s opinions to be represented in the discussions of WIPO, as the APAA is the only authoritative international organisation in the Asian region’s IP field. Words of Dr. Joseph K. Twanmoh As Dr. Joseph K. Twanmoh, president of the “Chinese National Group” (now Taiwan Group), had said in his welcome address during the 1972 Taipei Conference, the role of patent attorneys is a vital one in protecting IP and helping to develop countries. Many of the regions that were part of the APAA at the time were still developing, and so the role of the APAA was seen as pivotal. Aiding the Asian regions in the process of economic development raises the living standards of the people and boosts the economy, which in turn helps increase the well-being of the world. Words of Dr. Kyozo Yuasa As the APAA president at the time, Dr. Kyozo Yuasa, said, 1973 was a “year of international conciliation, coordination and cooperation” with the signing of the Paris Peace Accord, signaling a cease fire in the Vietnam War. Some of the APAA member regions were affected by the war. The role of patent attorneys was important in uniting the world during that tumultuous time.

February 1974

The Hong Kong Group of APAA was approved as the 4th National Group of APAA.

April 21-24, 1974

The 3rd General Assembly and the 8th to 10th Council Meetings were held at the Chosun Hotel in Seoul, the Republic of Korea. The Australian Group was approved as the 5th National Group of APAA. At the 9th Council Meeting, the Thailand Group was approved as the 6th National

Group of APAA. At the 10th Council Meeting following the Assembly, Mr. Kiyoshi Inomata was elected as the President of APAA. Official language The Council decided to maintain English as the official language, and have simultaneous interpreting into Japanese by Mrs. Yuko Matsuoka, an interpreter from Japan. The interpreting costs were born by the Japan Group.

February 1975

The Association’s Headquarters Office was moved to Kyowa Patent and Law Office. Many countries were preparing for the introduction of the PCT

October 20-21, 1975

The 11th Council Meeting was held at the Southern Cross Hotel in Melbourne, Australia.

May 16-18, 1976

The 4th General Assembly and the 12th and 13th Council Meetings were held at the Royal Hotel and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building in Osaka, Japan. The 4th General Assembly was held on May 17. At the 13th Council Meeting following the Assembly, Mr. Kiyoshi Inomata of Japan was re-elected as the President of APAA.

December 1976

APAA NEWS APAA NEWS NO. 1 was published. The publication of “APAA NEWS” was proposed and approved by the council at the Osaka General Assembly. The motive of the publication is to enhance the purposes of the APAA activities, and was to be published twice a year. Creation of “The Ad Hoc Committee for the study of the Revision of the Paris Convention”.

November 22-24, 1977

The 14th Council Meeting was held at the President Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The Philippines Group was formally approved as the 7th National Group of APAA The first issue of APAA News was published in December of 1976, and the second was published in June of 1977. The third issue was published in December of 1977. APAA headquarters had sent these issues to WIPO and to other government and non-government organisations, to strengthen the status of APAA. APAA Symbol Mark The creation of an APAA symbol mark was proposed by the Japan Group. The reason for this proposal was that having an APAA symbol mark would make the association’s activities more easily identifiable and would help to establish the APAA in communications with other organisations.

Expenses for Conferences One of the many nice qualities of the APAA is the importance and consideration that the association puts in creating an honorble environment that gives fair treatment to all the involved regions. For instance, in 1977, due to expenses for conferences outweighing the money going into the association, the conference host region usually had to bear the costs that were not covered by the association. In response to this dilemma, it was decided that Japan would offer to host the council meetings at least once every two to three years, since individuals from Japan always made up a large portion of the conference attendees at the time.

1978:

PCT The PCT came into effect in January of 1978 after many years of review and discussions

November 11-13, 1978

The 15th Council Meeting was held at the Yokohama International Conference Centre in Yokohama, Japan.

1979:

APAA Symbol Mark Many APAA symbol mark ideas were submitted to the council, which then chose one idea to adopt as the official APAA symbol. Membership Fee Council resolved to raise the membership fees to 4,500 yen for individual members and 14,000 yen for organisation members.

October 29-31, 1979

The 5th General Assembly and the 16th and 17th Council Meetings were held at the Excelsior Hotel and the Plaza Hotel in Hong Kong. The New Zealand Group was approved as the 8th National Group of APAA. At the 17th Council Meeting following the Assembly, Mr. Kiyoshi Inomata was re-elected as the President of APAA. APAA Symbol Mark The Assembly decided to formally adopt the Symbol Mark of APAA.

Kiyoshi Asamura Kiyoshi Inomata

Kyozo Yuasa

Lee Sang-Soo

Lee Hee Hai

1969-1979: 1st Decade