Winner of INTA's 2008 President's Award

We are pleased to announce that ELLA CHEONG, the Chairman of the firm, ELLA CHEONG (HK) (with offices in Hong Kong and Beijing), and our associated office, ELLA CHEONG SPRUSON & FERGUSON (with offices in Singapore and Malaysia), was the recipient of INTA's prestigious President's Award (one of two given annually since 2000) at the recent INTA Leadership Meeting in Florida.

INTA President Honors Association Volunteers

INTA Bulletin, December 1, 2008 Vol. 63 No. 22 - “At the INTA Leadership Meeting in Boca Raton, Florida, USA, on November 13, 2008, Association President Rhonda Steele presented the 2008 President’s Awards to Ella Cheong and Kimbley Muller. The President’s Award recognizes the most distinguished and deserving INTA volunteers for careers dedicated to trademark and IP protection and advancement.”

“Ella Cheong, of the Ella Cheong firm in Hong Kong, is one of INTA’s most active volunteers—a speaker, author, former Board member and committee leader. Currently she is chair of the East Asia & Pacific Subcommittee of the Nontraditional Marks Committee.

Ella was honored for bringing an important focus to INTA’s interests in the Asia–Pacific region. In many ways she has been a pioneer—her activities in the region have served as a model for the Association’s later work in other regions. Through her committee work and her strong relationships with the ASEAN Intellectual Property Association, she has built a meaningful foundation for INTA in Asia–Pacific.

“Ella defines what it means to put what we learn into action, and she has shared that philosophy with everyone she’s worked with, both at INTA and in her career,” Ms. Steele said. “Ella’s contributions continue to be felt throughout INTA as the men and women whom she has so enthusiastically mentored begin to take on new roles and challenges with the same positive attitude that made Ella a successful lawyer, colleague and friend."

In accepting the award, Ella said that she was so stunned when she heard that she had won that she was speechless. She was particularly proud that she was recognized in part as a role model for women.”

Since the receiving of the Award, many congratulatory messages have poured in from around the world, all saying that the Award was more than well-deserved.

Some quotes:

"I wish we lived closer together so I could take you out to celebrate the INTA President's Award. Congratulations, such awards are not given lightly, and all of the small and large ways you have helped your colleagues and clients around the world adds up to a large positive impact. This profession is difficult, our work has to be perfect, and the demands are many. What we do isn't always appreciated or rewarded. You are special for many ways, but what impresses me the most about you is that you did everything that you were supposed to do as a professional and built a successful business, but you still had to face adversity. In facing that adversity you did not give up, and you did not lose heart. You picked up the challenge and went on to build something for yourself again. Not to mention that you are a woman, and as much as things have improved, we are still largely living in a man's world. I admire your determination and your strength, and I appreciate that you do everything with real warmth and humour. And you managed to raise four children at the same time!"

"Congratulations for getting the most coveted award in INTA, the President's Award for 2008! You certainly deserve it, and more. Indeed you serve as inspiration to women all over the world."

"We have always known that you are an outstanding personality. With your drive, initiative and charisma it could not be otherwise. When we read the INTA Bulletin No 22 of December 1, 2008 and learned that you had won an INTA award we felt proud for being able to say that you are our colleague and friend. The only thing that we can hardly believe is that you could be left speechless in whatever circumstances. You are quick on the draw before anybody else!"

"Congratulations, I have to say I totally agree, from my years (at your previous firm), that you most definitely deserve the award, question is why did it take them so long or is this award the 2nd, 3rd or the 4th one already. I also agree that you are a great mentor as I remember seeing with my own eyes how you trained young inexperienced lawyers to partners - you were a great teacher to them."

"Knowing you as I do, I accept your feelings about the award are genuine, but I hope you can accept that your view is not the view of the rest of the profession. They all know what a very significant contribution you have made."

"Definitely went to the right person this year."

"A fitting recognition."

"You were the only one to deserve it as it not only celebrates your wonderful career but your exceptional human qualities and I'm happy to have met you, even briefly."

"I am delighted by these good news. I have no doubt that your already good reputation will even more increase in view of this prestigous decoration."

"We believe her recognition is due to her incomparable ability and dedication to INTA."

"We are sure that this award is well deserved and reflects many years of work by Ms. Cheong in developing awareness and support of trademarks in Asia and elsewhere."

"Heartiest congratulations. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of such an award than you."

"Congratulations Ella! The award couldn't have gone to a better person!"

"I insist in saying: very well deserved!"

"Many congratulations for this Award which recognizes your exceptional career in the IP world and the appreciation of your colleagues and friends for the high quality of your professional services, the many positive results achieved and the satisfaction of the Clients."