On 30 August 2021, more than 30 delegates from a variety of backgrounds from employers, architects, consultants and a statutory board (and also lawyers),  gathered for a feat thought impossible: To listen to 3 construction lawyers speak about IP issues for 90 minutes.

The pre-eminent Ng Kim Beng and Shemane Chan spoke about IP issues arising in the life cycle of a construction project and how IP rights can be protected and utilised, factors to be considered and standard clauses and trends dealing with IP rights when negotiating construction contracts, and also how these issues apply in the context of Building and Information Modelling and collaborative working.

Moving to the brave new world of machine learning and AI, the panel also spoke about the semi-hypothetical of a technical consultant who has used machine learning and AI to figure out how to collaboratively build the largest dam in the world at the fastest speed the world has ever seen, and how fights over the data and machine-learning output might be resolved.  It was interesting that there appears to be a lacuna under Singapore law for the protection of IP generated by AI, and a hotchpotch of measures may need to be utilised to protect such rights.

It was an enlightening event, and we are grateful for the speakers for sharing their knowledge. The SCL(S) is pleased to have been part of commencing a discussion on this aspect of construction, which is going to gain in prominence and importance as projects incorporate more and more elements involving BIM and other collaborative methods of working and even AI. Those who unfortunately missed it may wish to take a look at the slides.

Click HERE to view the webinar photos. 

Contributed by:
Kelvin Teo - Director, Drew & Napier LLC