NEW YORK - In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the International Trademark Association (INTA) is working to reschedule its Annual Meeting in Singapore until 2022; it was originally set for April 25–29, 2020.

The Association said it will be relocating the 2020 Annual Meeting to a venue in the United States, in May or June.
This decision follows the evolving developments, continuing uncertainty, and global concerns regarding the coronavirus, as well as guidance from the Singapore Ministry of Health to event organizers to cancel or defer non-essential large-scale events.

“The health and safety of Annual Meeting registrants is our main priority,” said INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo. “This decision comes after much thoughtful discussion. We firmly believe that we are making the most judicious decision, so as not to jeopardize the health and safety of registrants, staff, and the public.”

In a letter sent today to registrants and other stakeholders, Mr. Sanz de Acedo said, “At INTA, we pride ourselves on being a community, and we hope that you understand and support our decision.”

INTA will automatically refund in full registration fees and exhibit and sponsor fees. The official housing provider for the Meeting, bnetwork, has informed the Association that it will reimburse deposits for hotel rooms booked through them.

Mr. Sanz de Acedo said the Association is moving as quickly as possible to finalize the 2020 Meeting in the United States, noting: “As you can well imagine, there are significant logistics involved in planning and holding a gathering of this size.” Details will be forthcoming.

“Meanwhile, we hold in our thoughts all those affected by the coronavirus,” he said.

The INTA Annual Meeting is the world’s largest gathering of brand owners and intellectual property professionals.