Dixon Soh Shares Insights on Intellectual Property Strategy and Regional Developments in Southeast Asia

Dixon Soh, a distinguished intellectual property (IP) practitioner licensed in Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, reflects on his career and the evolving nature of IP law. He describes intellectual property as a celebration of human achievement encompassing trademarks, patents, and copyrights, each representing business aspirations, inventiveness, and artistic expression respectively. Soh emphasizes that the collaborative international framework underpinning IP laws attracted him to this legal field.

Since beginning his practice, Soh notes significant changes in the complexity of products and the recognition of IP as a commercial asset rather than merely a legal construct. He advises aspiring IP professionals to develop sensitivity to business concerns and understand how IP integrates with company operations to support commercial objectives.

"IP counsel must be able to recognise pressure points and aspirations, then develop and strategise to support the client’s growth plans," Soh explains. He stresses that a solid grasp of IP law is fundamental, but the ability to align IP with business growth is the key to success.

Covering a broad spectrum of sectors, Soh maintains his expertise through continuous learning. He attributes his knowledge to three main methods: reading, learning from others, and hands-on experience. Daily, he engages with key business operators—including those in business development, production, and executive leadership—to understand the operational environment of each client.

Since 2002, Soh has committed 15 minutes daily to reading, ranging from job-related materials to diverse topics such as gaming industry trends. He acknowledges that this eclectic knowledge enriches his perspective and informs his IP practice.

Regarding recent policy developments impacting IP strategy in Singapore and Southeast Asia, Soh highlights the transformative role of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under Director General Daren Tang. WIPO’s shift from a technical agency to a developmental one has introduced initiatives such as the IP management clinic pilot programme in Indonesia.

This clinic aims to equip Indonesian businesses with IP strategy skills by sharing experiences from Singapore and other jurisdictions. Soh views this as a catalyst for Indonesia’s potential as an IP hub, noting the country’s vast population and cultural diversity. He underscores that the clinic’s long-term success depends on generating positive outcomes to engage more stakeholders.

On intangible asset valuation, Soh identifies the initial step as conducting a thorough stocktake of assets. Understanding the business context and environment is crucial to identify gaps before engaging valuers. Effective communication with valuers about how assets support business growth is also essential.

Drawing from his experience as in-house counsel, Soh advises emphasizing patent value to C-suite executives by recognizing patents as one component among many assets that contribute to corporate value. He points out that critical elements surrounding patents—such as information from invention discovery processes and failed attempts—are often overlooked during mergers and acquisitions due diligence.

Soh also stresses the importance of IP intelligence beyond patent data. He recommends leveraging multiple databases to enrich patent reports, providing insights into technology, competitive landscapes, and potential licensees, buyers, or collaborators. This comprehensive approach enables IP strategists to craft creative solutions that enhance corporate value.

Throughout his career, Soh has advised clients across diverse technology verticals including gaming, e-commerce, media technology, food technology, medical technology, and artificial intelligence. He was a key contributor to Singapore’s IP Strategy 2030, a decade-long roadmap guiding the nation’s IP development.

Soh’s reflections underscore the dynamic intersection of law, business, and technology in intellectual property practice, particularly within the rapidly evolving Southeast Asian region.