Intellectual Property Law Firm in Asia
Mirandah Asia
#07-08 The Adelphi
Singapore 179803
Singapore
+65 6336-9696
+65 6338-3739
www.mirandah.com
Contact the Law Firm
Other Offices: Jakarta Kuala Lumpur Manila Bangkok Hanoi
Law Firm Overview
Mirandah Asia is a full service, boutique intellectual property law firm with its main offices in Singapore and Malaysia. Practice areas include patents, trademarks, copyright, industrial design, litigation support, investigation and watch service, enforcement action, infringement advice, licensing, franchising, entertainment and media, portfolio management, dispute resolution, privacy and trade secrets, regulatory approvals for food and drugs, due diligence, domain names, intellectual property consultancy and management, integrated circuits, geographical indications, freedom to operate, e-commerce, consumer protection, and advertising clearance.Established in 1986, the firm has extended its network of offices in Asia to also include Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam, coordinating and serving clients’ intellectual property needs in these and other ASEAN countries including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the Indian sub-continent countries of Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The firm’s goal is to deliver exceptional service, supported by its knowledgeable and trained staff, coupled with modern and sophisticated IT systems. Working together, its people and technology provide international class service to all clients.
Year this Office was Established: 1986
Languages: English, Mandarin, Japanese, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Tagalog.
Areas of Law
Additional Areas of Law: Industrial Design; Due Diligence (Intellectual Property Audit); Intellectual Property Consultancy; Integrated Circuits; E-Commerce; Consumer Protection; Advertising Clearance; Intellectual Property Management; E-Commerce; Regulatory Approvals For Food and Drugs.
Areas of Law Description
- Patent
A patent is a monopoly awarded to the owner of a new and previously undisclosed invention. It has a life span of about 20 years, and affords the owner the right to exclude others from making, using or selling the invention without permission.
- Trademarks
A Trademark is used to indicate the origin of the goods and services and to distinguish the goods and services of one trader from those of another.
- Copyright
Copyright is a set of exclusive rights over use of a particular expression of an idea or information and this may subsist in a wide range of creative, intellectual, or artistic forms that include literary, musical, choreographic, artistic and even print and broadcast media copyrights.
- Industrial Design
Mirandah Asia regards Industrial Design as the ornamental aspect of useful objects.
- Franchising
Mirandah Asia understands Franchising as a method of conducting business wherein tried and proven methods of doing business is disclosed to a franchisee in exchange for recurring annual fees or payment which usually are a percentage value from gross sales or gross profits.
- Intellectual Property Litigation
Mirandah Asia views an approach on dispute resolution as being pragmatic with business-oriented objectives.
- Investigation and Watch Service
Intellectual Property protection includes calculated anticipation of infringing actions by other entities against protected rights.
- Enforcement Action
Intellectual Property rights protection is as critical as obtaining rights over Intellectual Property.
- Infringement Advice
Infringement refers to the violation of a law or Intellectual Property right of an individual or entity company, including infringement in patent, trademark and copyright.
- Licensing
Mirandah Asia can help you manage the use of Intellectual Property rights such as Patents, Trademarks, Copyright and Industrial Designs.
- Due Diligence
Mirandah Asia offers its Intellectual Property Audit services to major multinational and listed companies that consider Intellectual Property to be their topmost priority asset, having developed various audit methodologies, tailor-made for our clients' businesses.
- Domain Names
Domain Names allow Internet users to more easily find and communicate with internationally accessible web sites and other internationally networked and server-based services.
- E-Commerce
E-Commerce consists of primarily the distributing, buying, selling, marketing and servicing of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks.
- Dispute Resolution
Dispute Resolution is a process requiring professional skilled intervention which includes mediation, conciliation, or negotiation between parties with the objective of attempting to reach a mutual, consensual agreement on a contentious issue.
Lawyers
 |
Mr. William Cheong
Lawyer Intellectual Property, Patents, Trademark |
 |
Ms. Denise Mirandah
Lawyer Copyright, Domain Names, Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property, Licensing Law |
 |
Mrs. Gladys Mirandah
Lawyer Arbitration, Business Litigation, Civil Litigation, Commercial Law, Commercial Litigation |
 |
Mr. T. David Reed
Lawyer Copyright, Domain Names, Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property, Licensing Law |
 |
Mr. Prithipal Singh
Lawyer Copyright, Domain Names, Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property, Licensing Law |
Affiliations
- International Trademark Association (INTA)
- The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA)
- Intellectual Property Owner Association (IPO)
- The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Agents (CITMA)
More Information on Mirandah Asia
Patents LawCopyright
Trademarks
Design Law
IP Enforcement Support
Patent Litigation Support
Trademark Litigation Support
Mirandah Asia News and Publications
Articles Published by Mirandah Asia
Updates to Vietnam Patent and Trademark Procedures
New regulations with regard to patent and trademark procedures in Vietnam came into force on 15th January 2018. These amended regulations aim to bring the Vietnamese intellectual property system in line with recent developments. Below are some of the main changes based on guidelines laid out in Circular No. 16/2016/TT-BKHCN from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam.
Read Article Rectification of the Patents Register – A Singapore Perspective (05/02/2018)
In the recent case of Novartis (Singapore) Pte Ltd v Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Co [2017] SGHC 322, the Singapore High Court addressed, for the first time, key procedural issues associated with corrections to patent forms and priority data, as well as corrections to the Singapore Patents Register (the “Register”).
Read Article Updates to Vietnam Patent Regime (26/1/2018)
New regulations with regard to patent applications in Vietnam came into force on 15th January 2018. These amended regulations aim to bring the Vietnamese intellectual property system in line with recent developments. Below are three of the main changes based on guidelines laid out in Circular No. 16/2016/TT-BKHCN from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam.
Read Article Is 'Patent Working' Information Confidential in India? (22/1/2018)
The very foundation of the patent system is a quid pro quo - a set of exclusive rights granted to a patentee in exchange for inter alia the patentee’s duty to fulfil the society’s reasonable requirements in relation to the invention (including the ‘working’ of the said invention within the jurisdiction).
Read Article Louis Vuitton Case in Singapore Clarifies Definitions of 'Import' and 'Export' for Trademark Infringement
In the recent Singapore High Court case of Louis Vuitton Malletier v Megastar Shipping Pte Ltd [2017] SGHC 305, the Court held that a freight forwarder who was unwittingly sent counterfeit goods into Singapore for transshipment was not liable for trademark infringement.
Read Article Geographical Indication (‘GI’) Registration in India for 'Rasgulla': Sweet News to be Taken with a Pinch of Salt?
The newsfeeds of Intellectual Property enthusiasts and connoisseurs of fine desserts were recently inundated with news of the Rasgulla being granted Geographical Indication (‘GI’) registration in India. In the midst of all the hype and hoopla, the Chief Minister of West Bengal (a State to the east of India) went on to tweet “Sweet news for us all. We are very happy and proud that #Bengal has been granted GI (Geographical Indication) status for Rosogulla.”
Read Article Mattel, Inc. v. Aman Bijal Mehta: A Loss of Face for 'Barbie' in India? (11/12/17)
Mattel, Inc. has raised an issue about the trade mark "Barbie" in India, against the producers of a film in Hindi entitled ‘Tera Intezaar’ which was due to be released on 24th November 2017.
Read Article Singapore and China PPH Extension Keeps Up Accelerated and Dynamic Patent Procedure (11/12/17)
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO) have extended their joint effort for fast and efficient patent protection through the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program. The extension agreement was signed on September 17, 2017 and will be effective until August 31, 2019.
Read Article New Indonesian Customs Regulation for Protection of IP Rights (11/12/17)
The Indonesian Government has recently implemented legislation to assist IP owners to enforce their copyrights and trademarks. The Regulation (No. 20 of 2017) came into force on August 2, 2017.
Read Article Brunei‘s Patent Examination System to Increase Efficiency Through Agreement with Japan (11/10/17)
On August 28, 2017, the Brunei Intellectual Property Office (BruIPO) signed an agreement to introduce a new patent examination initiative - the Patent Prosecution Highway Plus (PPH+) - with the Japan Patent Office (JPO), which will commence on October 1, 2017.
Read Article Myanmar Presents New Trademark Bill (18/9/2017)
Myanmar has yet to produce its own specific legislation on trademarks. As a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), the nation is expected to deliver its IP laws in the near future to provide protection for trademarks, copyright, patents, and other intellectual property.
Read Article Updates on Use Requirements for Trademark Registrations in the Philippines (6/9/2017)
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) recently announced changes to the filing of Declaration of Actual Use (DAU) for registered marks.
Read Article Post-Grant Amendments from Method of Treatment to Swiss-Style – The Singapore Position Clarified (6/9/2017)
In the landmark case of Warner-Lambert Company LLC v Novartis (Singapore) Pte Ltd [2017] SGCA 45, the Singapore Court of Appeal explored, inter alia, the permissibility of amending method of treatment claims to Swiss-style claims. Significantly, the matter was heard before a 5-Judge panel in the Court of Appeal. Court of Appeal hearings typically feature a 3-Judge panel and a quorum of 5 Judges is reserved for cases of particular importance.
Read Article Accelerated Patent Examination in Philippines Through PPH Partnership with EPO (6/9/2017)
In recent years, the European Patent Office (EPO) has partnered with several domestic patent offices in Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programmes, with the aim of speeding up examination processes for corresponding applications filed in participating intellectual property offices.
Read Article Insights on Franchising: A Singapore Perspective (26/6/2017)
Singapore is a multi-racial and a multi-cultural country that demands variety in all aspects of its marketplace. Recently, news of the imminent departure of bubble tea franchise Gong Cha from Singapore has directed attention towards a new beverage brand, LiHo, started by a former franchisee of Gong Cha.
Read Article Thailand Patent Registry Set to Enforce Modified Examination Regime for Greater Efficiency (12/06/2017)
Throughout 2017 so far, the government in Thailand has been signalling its intention to revamp the country’s patent system to provide a more efficient standard of service to applicants and inventors.
Read Article Thailand Patent Registry Set to Enforce Modified Examination Regime for Greater Efficiency (11/6/2017)
Throughout 2017 so far, the government in Thailand has been signalling its intention to revamp the country’s patent system to provide a more efficient standard of service to applicants and inventors.
Read Article New Online System for Cambodia Trademark Registration (11/06/2017)
On 25 May 2017, the Ministry of Commerce in Cambodia launched an online trademark registration system for local and international businesses and individuals to protect their marks against infringement.
Read Article Singapore Trademark Invalidation Action Is Big Boxing Bout (30/05/2017)
A decision on a Singapore trademark invalidation action issued in May 2017 by IPOS assessed distinctiveness, descriptiveness and whether the use of the mark had become customary in the language and practice of the trade.
Read Article Singapore Parallel Imports: Court Clarifies Scope of the Parallel Importation Defense (24/05/2017)
Parallel imports are genuine goods that are put on the market by a trade mark proprietor in one country, and subsequently purchased and imported into another country for resale. Singapore permits parallel importation.
Read Article Singapore Copyright Infringement Cannot Extend to Directories (04/05/2017)
The Court of Appeal decision in Global Yellow Pages Ltd v Promedia Directories Pte Ltd [2017] SGCA 28 affirmed the decision of the High Court dated 28th January 2016 - ruling in favour of Promedia Directories (“the Defendant”) and dismissing Global Yellow Pages’ (“the Plaintiff”) appeal. The case has set important precedent in Singapore copyright law with regard to compilations of factual material, outlining the extent to which copyright protection may cover these kinds of works.
Read Article Singapore Trademark Revocation - Apple's Sherlock Killed Off! (03/05/2017)
Despite the recent popularity surge in old technological phenomena, with Nintendo’s Pokémon being ubiquitous on small hand-held screens again, and Nokia having relaunched – to widespread excitement - its iconic 3310 phone, it is not always easy for tech giants to hold on to past products and features in the hope of one day re-marketing them. Such was proven in the Singapore trademark revocation case of Bigfoot Internet Ventures Pte Ltd v Apple Inc. [2017] SGIPOS 4.
Read Article Singapore Patent Protection Examined in Car Crash Camera Case (17/04/2017)
The judgment in Lee Tat Cheng v Maka GPS Technologies Pte Ltd [2017] SGHC 48 concerned an infringement action and an application for a declaration of infringement brought by Mr. Lee Tat Cheng (“the Plaintiff”), proprietor of Singapore Patent No. 87795. It further related to a counterclaim of revocation/invalidity and groundless threats of infringement proceedings brought by Maka GPS (“the Defendant”).
Read Article Singapore Announces New Patent Rules and Fees to Promote Innovation (20/03/2017)
Singapore has recently announced a range of major changes to its patent system that will affect those seeking protection in a variety of ways.
Read Article Revised Trademark Rules in India (17/03/2017)
The Government of India announced broad changes to the Trade Mark Rules on 6 March 2017. The changes came into effect immediately.
Read Article Audi Drives the A-One Out of Singapore (17/02/2017)
In a bid to bolster its intellectual property portfolio in Singapore, German car manufacturer Audi (‘the applicant’) recently succeeded partially in the revocation of a device mark in Audi AG v Lim Ching Kwang.
Read Article Cambodia Becomes First Asian EPO Validation State (17/02/2017)
On January 23rd in Phnom Penh, an agreement was signed between Cambodian Senior Minister for Industry Cham Prasidh and Benoit Batistelli, President of the European Patent Office, stipulating that patents registered with the European Patent Office (EPO) will be valid in Cambodia, with a date of 1st July 2017 set as the projected entry into force of the agreement.
Read Article Singapore: No Snap Judgment on Similarity of Marks (02/02/2017)
The recent opposition matter between two mobile software application manufacturers before the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) of Apptitude Pte Ltd v. MGG Software Pte Ltd was a battle for trademark rights in an expanding niche market.
Read Article No Break Given to Nestlé in Kit Kat Shape Mark Appeal in Singapore (26/12/2016)
A Kit Kat bar, with its two-finger and four-finger breakable wafers coated with chocolate, is surely one of the most famously-shaped food items that one could enjoy at a local store almost anywhere around the world to ‘have a break’ – as the product’s long-running tagline goes. Yet, in the conclusion of a long-running dispute, Nestle recently lost its battle to prevent a competitor from utilising the two- and four-finger shape for its own chocolate bars.
Read Article Cambodia Accedes to PCT and Fosters IP Development (06/11/2016)
Following accession to the World Trade Organization (“WTO”) in September 2014 and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) in January 2015, Cambodia has upped its efforts in developing its intellectual property environment even further.
Read Article Post-Grant Amendments from Methods of Treatment to Swiss-Style Claims in Singapore (05/10/2016)
This is a landmark patent case heard in the Singapore High Court by Justice George Wei. The plaintiff’s patent contained method of treatment (MOT) claims which are not patentable under Singapore Law. The plaintiff sought the Court’s leave to amend the MOT claims to Swiss-style claims, and the defendant opposed the amendment.
Read Article Thailand Trademark Act Amendments (19/09/2016)
Thailand is gearing up to become a member of the Madrid Protocol concerning the International Registration of Trademarks (the “Madrid Protocol”). It began by amending the current Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (the “Act”) and introduced amendments to procedures, extended its protective scope and revised the deadlines and fees. It also introduced a new international trademark filing system, preparing Thailand for its accession to the Madrid Protocol.
Read Article Update: Myanmar Trademark Practice
With significant changes in the political landscape of Myanmar (also known as Burma), there are similar expectations for corresponding changes in the economic and business practices as well. This further affects the expectations of IP holders to better protect their rights in this country. Currently, Myanmar is working with the World Intellectual Property office (WIPO) and World Trademarks Office (WTO) to introduce new IP laws which include legislation covering trademarks.
Read Article Telephone Directories May Not Always Be Protected by Copyright in Singapore
It is trite that copyright does not protect facts. No man may claim a monopoly over what is found in nature. Copyright only protects the expression of ideas - and even then - only the original expression of ideas.
Read Article Understanding Patent Abandonment Rules in Indonesia
When a patent owner desires to abandon a patent, usually they simply do so by non-action, i.e. by stopping payment of the annuity fees. However, the same may not be true in Indonesia, and this has now become one of the most debated subjects among IP practitioners in this territory.
Read Article Singapore Adopts Initiatives to Further Enhance Quality of Examination
Singapore has begun operations as ASEAN's first International Patent Search and Examination Authority under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) on 1 September 2015. With its appointment in 2014, Singapore becomes the first country in the ASEAN region as well as the fifth country in Asia after China, Japan, India, and Korea to join the 19 Intellectual Property Offices worldwide as International Authorities for the PCT.
Read Article USPA Scores in Singapore
This was a trade mark opposition before the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, by The Polo/Lauren Company LP (‘PLC’), in relation to Singapore trademark application no. T1215440A in Class 09 [for eyewear; ophthalmic eyewear frames; reading glasses; sunglasses; eyeglass cases and covers; sun visors (eyewear)] (‘Application Mark’) filed by United States Polo Association ('USPA’).
Read Article Post-Grant Amendments in Infringement Proceedings in Singapore: Be on your Best Behaviour or Else
In Ship’s Equipment Centre Bremen GmbH v Fuji Trading (Singapore) Pte Ltd and others, the High Court of Singapore ruled in favour of the Defendants refusing to allow the Plaintiff to make post-grant amendments to Singapore Patent SG 110370 (“the Patent”).
Read Article Singapore Patents and Industrial Design to Gain Recognition in Cambodia
On 20 January 2015, Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry and Handicraft (MIH) has entered into an agreement with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, committing to recognize patents and industrial designs registered in Singapore.
Read Article Malaysian Patent Revoked Due to Lack of Novelty
In Suit No. 22NCVC-489-04-2012 between Fukuyama Automation Sdn Bhd (the plaintiff) and Xin Xin Engineering and Trading and Wong Thiam Fook (collectively referred to as the defendants), the High Court of Malaya invalidated the plaintiff’s Malaysian Patent No. MY-124182-A due to lack of novelty in view of the prior disclosure of the Japanese Patent No. 2812353 (JP2812353). Subsequently, the High Court dismissed the infringement case filed by the Plaintiff.
Read Article Malaysia: Federal Court Clarifies Section 42 of the Copyright Act 1987
In the case of Dura-Mine Sdn Bhd vs Elster Metering and George Kent (Malaysia) Berhad, the Federal Court of Malaysia had occasion to rule on the scope and application of Section 42 of the Copyright Act 1987 (hereinafter refer to as the “The Act”)
Read Article Design Laws Improve in Singapore
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) takes another step towards enhancing and strengthening Singapore’s Intellectual Property (IP) system.
Read Article Singapore Plant Varieties Protection Act Expands Reach
Singapore has recently expanded the scope of its Plant Varieties Protection Act ("Act") to extend the scope of plant varieties protection to all plant genera and species. The primary aim of this amendment is to encourage investments on research and development of new plant varieties, which have economic potential.
Read Article Disclosures During Patent Litigation: To Request or Not To Request?
In Syntroleum v. Neste Oil Singapore, the Singapore High Court dismissed two sets of applications filed by the defendant for the disclosure of three categories of documents by the plaintiff in respect of Singapore Patent 172045 (the 045 patent), Singapore Patent 169053 (the 053 patent) and the United States Patent 5,705,722 (the US 722 patent).
Read Article The Puzzle of Common “P” in Singapore
Tao, Hsiu-chih (the applicant) filed Singapore trademark application number T1015606G for the figurative mark Ts.Project (application mark). This application was accepted and published on April 29, 2011. Pirelli & C SpA (the opponent) opposed the application mark on the ground of similarity to their previously registered marks, passing off by the applicant and that the application was made in bad faith.
Read Article Malaysia – Novelty Test Clarified by Court of Appeal
The Court of Appeal in Malaysia reversed the High Court’s decision in SKB Shutters Manufacturing Sdn Bhd v Seng Kong Shutter Industries Sdn Bhd & Anor [2011] 4 CLJ.
Read Article Singapore and EPO sign Patent Prosecution Highway, Effective January 2015
Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH), which is a mutual agreement between two offices allowing applicants to request a fast-track examination by using the examination conducted by the other office or vice versa, has been continuously gaining popularity worldwide as an alternative route to expedite the examination of a patent application.
Read Article Singapore Amends Copyright Laws
Singapore Parliament in July 2014 amended its copyright laws by strengthening its position against online piracy. The new law intends to provide copyright owners with better ability and effective means to protect their rights in the online space.
Read Article Secret Designs in the Philippines
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has issued Memorandum-Circular No. 14-004 on 20 May 2014 allowing applicants to file a request for deferment of publication enabling designers and companies applying for the registration of industrial designs to keep them secret from competitors until the designs are made available in the market.
Read Article SEIKO... SEIKI... Say What? The Likelihood of Confusion in Singapore
The SEIKI trademark was recently granted registration in Singapore despite an opposition from the proprietors of the SEIKO mark. The Registrar dismissed the opposition despite finding that SEIKO is a wellknown mark and that the two marks are similar. A closer examination of the Registrar’s reasoning, however, reveals that the decision is not as incongruous as it may seem at first glance.
Read Article The Sweet Taste of “Mango” is Not for Everyone
“Mango” is commonly known as the juicy stone fruit belonging to the genus Mangifera. But to others, it means more. To Consolidated Artists BV, “Mango” is a trademark symbolic of quality bags, fashion and accessories. Recently, MANGO has been the subject of a dispute before the Office of the Director General (ODG) of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
Read Article Patents as Collateral for Singapore Companies
Patents were first used as collateral to secure financing by Thomas Edison in the late 1880s. Edison used his patent for the incandescent electric light bulb as collateral to secure financing to start his company, the General Electric Company.
Read Article Landmark Decision on Determining Statutory Damages in Singapore
In Converse Inc. v. Ramesh Ramchandani et al., Converse had elected to request an award of statutory damages after an interlocutory judgment had found Mr. Ramchandani liable for infringing Converse’s high-cut Chuck Taylor All Star canvas shoes. Accordingly, the High Court of Singapore was given the unfamiliar task of assessing the amount of statutory damages to be awarded under Section 31(5) and (6) of the Trade Marks Act.
Read Article Coffee Wars Brewing in Thailand
Brothers, Damrong and Damras Maslae, are owners and operators of a Bangkok coffee cart called Starbung Coffee.
Read Article Philippines: Building Façade Denied Registration
On November 11, 2013, the Director General of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) dismissed the appeals filed by Fun Ranch Mega Development, Inc. from the decision of the Director of Trademarks denying the registration of a façade of a building for lack of a distinguishing feature and function as an identifier of the source of goods and services.
Read Article Design Infringement Claim Backfires in Malaysia
In a court action between Tropicana Products, Inc. (“Tropicana”) and the F&N companies (Fraser and Neave, Limited and its subsidiaries, F&N Diaries (M) Sdn Bhd and F&N Beverages Manufacturing Sdn Bhd) (“F&N” collectively), the Court of Appeals in Malaysia (“Appeals Court”) reversed the decision of the Kuala Lumpur High Court (“High Court”) granting Tropicana’s infringement claims and further revoking F&N’s industrial design registrations.
Read Article Incense Design Registrations Burn Up in Smoke
In the cases of Koay Kar Kheng v Rong Qiang Incense (M) Sdn Bhd and Koay Kar Kheng v Seong Loong (M) Sdn Bhd, the High Court of Malaya (“High Court”) revoked and expunged two (2) industrial design registrations, bearing designs of incense products registered under Class 99, from the Register of Industrial Designs due to lack of novelty over prior designs already disclosed to the public before the respective priority dates of the industrial design registrations.
Read Article Vietnam and Philippines Keeps Persistent Fight Against IPR Violators
The office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) annually prepares the ‘Special 301 Report’ which identifies countries that do not provide adequate and effective protection of Intellectual Property Rights and pose trade barriers to US companies and products.The report contains countries considered to be providing inadequate and ineffective protection and the list of countries are categorized as ‘Priority Foreign Countries,’ ‘Priority Watch List,’ or ‘Watch List.’
Read Article Philippines: Non-filing of Declaration of Actual Use is Tantamount to Abandonment of Interest
In a recent decision, the Supreme Court of the Philippines held that a registrant’s failure to file a Declaration of Actual Use (DAU) within the requisite period constituted abandonment or withdrawal of its vested rights in the trademark. Birkenstock Orthopaedie GmbH & Co. KG v. Philippine Shoe Expo Marketing Corp., G.R. No. 194307 (Sup. Ct. Nov. 20, 2013).
Read Article The Margins of Discretion in Singapore
The recent decision by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) between V Hotel and Jelco Properties concerning an Application for Restoration of Trademark Application and Request for Extension of Time (EOT), shows that IPOS continues to take a stringent position with regard to procedural defaults such as an attorney’s delay in responding to IPOS within the deadline.
Read Article KU DE TA Keeps Name in Singapore
In Guy Neale and others v Nine Squares, the Singapore High Court dismissed a trade mark invalidation suit and passing off claim and confirmed the requisite attributes for the establishment of goodwill.
Read Article South East Asia is Fertile Ground for Intellectual Property Recognisance and Growth
In 2013, several Southeast-Asian countries including Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore have seen some significant development in their respective Intellectual Property regime.
Read Article Singapore’s Apex Court Develops and Clarifies the Law of Trademarks
2013 has been a progressive year for Singapore as 3 Court of Appeal decisions have been handed down in relation to the law on trademarks and the tort of passing off.
Read Article Birkenstock prevails and steps on competition
The Philippines Supreme Court was once again confronted with the issue on ownership of trademark in its recently decided case of Birkenstock Orthopaedie GMBH and Co. KG vs. Philippine Shoe Expo Marketing Corporation (G.R. No. 194307, November 20, 2013).
Read Article Singapore: Delay Spells Death for Trademark
Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. ("Applicants") had applied for three trademark applications for the stylized version of the mark "Savoy Club" ("Applicants' marks") while Distileerderij En Likburstokerij Herman Jansen B.V. ("Respondents") filed a trade mark application for the word mark "Savoy Club" ("the Intervening Application"). Notices of Opposition against the Applicants' marks were filed in July 2011.
Read Article A New Patent Prosecution Highway with SIPO
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO) to establish a two-year Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot programme between the two intellectual property offices. The pilot program is scheduled to commence on 1 September 2013.
Read Article Moves Towards Consolidation of Data Privacy Law in Indonesia
Of all human rights, privacy can be one of the most difficult to balance. This is exacerbated by the Internet where free, easy and voluntary dissemination of information is routine both in the business and privately.
Read Article India Accedes to Madrid Protocol
On 8 April 2013, India finally deposited the instrument acceding to the Madrid Protocol. The international trademark registration system is expected to come into force in India from 8 July 2013. It became the 90th contracting party to join the Madrid Protocol.
Read Article Trademarks in Malaysia – The Position of Well-Known Marks
Protection given to Well-Known marks in Malaysia
Read Article Singapore Copyright Saga – Right of Privacy v Virtual Copyright
Update on Odex Anime case in Singapore
Read Article Asian Countries Fight Copyright Infringement
Activities taken up by different Asian countries to eradicate copyright infringement.
Read Article Initiatives at Philippines IP Office
Developments and new initiatives within the Philippines IP Office.
Read Article Indonesia GI Protection
The Latest Developments in the Protection of Geographical Indications in Indonesia
Read Article Vietnam Trademark Practice
At a Glance – Trademark Practices in Vietnam: Your 2007 Update
Read Article
Google+
Twitter
LinkedIn
