The issues examined in the case Hawley & Hazel Chemical Co. (s) Pte Ltd v Szu Ming Trading Pte Ltd [2008] SGHC 13 will determine whether there should be a legal or contractual obligation on the part of the licence grantor to limit the influx of parallel imports that a licensee or distributor might face […]
The strength and enforceability of IP Laws in the ASEAN Community
Recently, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) published a new survey report aptly called "The Investment Climate of South-East Asia" pursuant to a survey conducted amongst 234 senior corporate executives contemplating investments in several countries in the South East Asia region. The Economist conducted the survey under sponsorship from the United States Chamber of Commerce in […]
At a Glance – Trademark Practices in Vietnam: Your 2007 Update
On February 14, 2007 the Vietnam National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP) announced changes relating to trademark practices. We bring you an easy reference update. Descriptive Section: The type of mark must be described as: ordinary mark, collective mark, certification; or associated mark Associated Marks/Goods and Services If previous applications have been lodged, details of […]
Singapore McDonalds’ Opposition Rights Re-Affirmed
McDonald's Corporation, recently secured a landmark verdict in Singapore which cemented protection of its intangible IP rights when the Court of Appeal ruled that they had a right to oppose a trademark application based on sufficient visual, aural and conceptual similarities to their well-known "McCAFE" trademark. The Background Facts: Future Enterprises Pte Ltd v McDonalds […]
New Initiatives at Philippines IP Office
The Philippines Government recognises Intellectual property as indespensible to the development of domestic and creative activity, facilitating transfer of technology, attracting foreign investments, and ensuring market access for our products. Hence, the government resolves to protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors, artists and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and creations, […]
Malaysia Cyber Rogues Unleashed – The relevance of Intellectual Property Rights
Cyber Rogues who fake websites to deceive buyers into making them believe that the goods are real and being delivered are overwhelmingly increasing in Malaysia. The number of computer security intrusions in 2005 were approximately 660 cases involving business transactions involving '.com' and '.net' websites, 42 non-governmental organizations that involves the '.org', 79 cases involving […]
Singapore Court Enforces Johnson & Johnson’s IP Rights
Johnson & Johnson, one of the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products for the consumer, pharmaceutical, and medical devices and diagnostics markets recently secured a landmark decision in Singapore which cemented protection of its intangible IP rights when the High Court ruled that there has been an infringement of its […]
Increase in Government Filing Fees for IP in Indonesia
The Indonesian Government, on 15 February 2007 issued the Government Regulation No. 19 Year 2007 amending Regulation No. 75 Year 2005 concerning Tariff of Non-Tax National Income at the Department of Law and Human Rights. The Regulation comes into effect within 30 days from the date of issuance of the said regulation. Therefore, starting from […]
Landmark Decision On Well Known Mark In Singapore
Trademarks serve to distinguish between the goods or services of competing organisations. The Paris Convention was the first agreement to address well-known marks. The extension of protection in cases of lack of use or registration was seen as a significant departure from traditional trademark law and this right was generally accorded to a very select […]
India - Are We TRIPs Compliant Yet?
In last five years, the Indian parliament has amended the patent law twice. Despite the government's efforts to make the patent law compliant with the TRIPs Agreement, the international community's qualms about India's patent law remains unchanged. The debate on TRIPs compliance is heating up again since the publication of a report on various patent […]