Career series: Jo-Ann See, Amica Law
01-02-2021
13-04-2017
Jo-Ann See, director of Singapore law firm Amica Law, describes to WIPR how she developed a love of IP after a shaky start in the sector, and why career challenges should be viewed positively.
After I completed my studies at law school, I was undecided about whether to practise law. I joined the Singapore Legal Service, which posted me to the Trademarks and Patents Registry, which later became the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore.
I was appointed the deputy registrar of trademarks and patents, but my office was situated in an old building far away from the business district where my friends were, as they were working in law firms. I recall feeling alone and regretting my decision
On 1 January 2021 Ordinance 404 came into force, establishing Phase II of the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Programme in Brazil. Phase II was published by the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BRPTO) in the last week of 2020 and modifies the limits and requirements for requesting participation in the PPH Programme, which are detailed below. With this new phase of the PPH Programme, the previous Resolution 252 (establishing Phase I) has been revoked.
PPH Programme
The PPH Programme allows the examination of a patent application to be expedited in Brazil whenever a corresponding patent has been granted in one of the countries participating in the programme, upon the applicant s request.