2024 | Legal Department: Suranjana Sinharoy

During my internship at the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, I gained significant insights into IP law and its global implications. I reviewed various international treaties, which provided a nuanced perspective on how IP laws are drafted, and the considerations involved. This experience showed me how to develop negotiation skills and organise information efficiently in legal work.

I attended various hearings, gaining firsthand experience with IP disputes relating to trade mark opposition as well as geographical indication proceedings. This broadened my knowledge in IP dispute resolution. I also was exposed to matters relating to a wide range of IP such as copyright and patents. I conducted legal research which enabled me to learn about IP registration processes and glean insight into IPOS' role in IP protection.

The internship also allowed me to explore my own intellectual curiosities around emerging novel areas. As part of my internship, I was given the freedom to pick a topic which I found interesting to research on and share with the team. Having a keen interest in the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and IP, I gave a presentation exploring how other jurisdictions approach AI regulation through the lens of IP protection such as copyright. My presentation also highlighted the complexity of emerging technologies as well as the need for adaptive laws and regulation.

Attending IP Week was another highlight of my internship. The panel discussions provided insights into the role of IP across diverse organisations and the latest developments in IP and AI globally. The experts’ perspectives on developments in IP and AI helped me to stay abreast of current challenges and supplemented my abstract knowledge of AI law with a practical understanding of how these issues develop in real life.

Overall, my internship offered a comprehensive view of IP law, combining research with practical experience. This exposure greatly enhanced my understanding of the field and fuelled my interest in pursuing a career in IP law.