APPA was established in December 1969, and its membership is open to individuals practicing the profession of patent attorney in the Asian region as well as well as organizations, which comprise such individuals and are constituted in the Asian region. The association now has nearly 2000 members from 16 Recognized Groups in Australia, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam as well as from Brunei, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Myanmar and Nepal.

The principal object of APAA is to promote and enhance intellectual property protection throughout the Asian Region. Specifically, its objects are:

To foster ties to mutual friendship and understanding among individuals and organizations practicing the profession of patent attorney in the Asian region and through such ties to promote the protection of intellectual property in the region.

1. To consider all manner of questions affecting intellectual property and the interests of APAA.

2. To co-operate and engage in activities in conjunction with other organizations.

3. To arrange social and recreational activities for members and generally to promote knowledge of intellectual property law in the Asian region.