Publications

SINGAPORE: IPOS Examiner Rejects Registration of Scientific Abbreviation

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has refused to register a scientific abbreviation as a trademark even though the applicant was the first to discover the substance. In the matter of a trademark application by BioMedical Research Group Inc. & Anor. ([2024] SGIPOS 3), BioMedical Research Group Inc. and Macrophi Inc. sought to register the mark  in […]

Singapore: IPOS launches free deferment of patent prosecution as pilot initiative

In response to the growing interests of applicants in having more time to decide how best to prosecute their Singapore patent applications in alignment with their global patenting strategies and IP commercialization developments, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has launched a pilot initiative to allow eligible applicants to defer the filings of request […]

A sample of Singapore patents granted in 2024

While we are well into the second-half of 2024, contemplating milestones accomplished (or New Year’s resolutions broken) so far, it is interesting to note that by the end of June 2024 in Singapore, almost 4,000 patent applications had reached the critical milestone of an issuance of a certificate of grant by the Intellectual Property Office […]

Copyright infringement: A ground for invalidation and opposition of trademark in Singapore

Background  Henkel Polybit Industries Ltd. is a Middle Eastern entity which develops and produces water-proofing and corrosion-inhibiting sealants and coating specifically for the construction industry. They operate in at least 25 jurisdictions worldwide including in Singapore. Initially known as Polybit Industries Ltd. which was incorporated in 1995 in the United Arab Emirates, they were acquired […]

DSI Raids Bangkok Shopping Mall and Warehouse, Seizes Over 20,000 Trademark-Infringing Items Worth THB 20 Million

Thailand is intensifying her crackdown on intellectual property infringement, with a raid on 11 shops within MBK, a popular Bangkok shopping center. This operation, jointly conducted by the Department of Special Investigations (“DSI”) and the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court on 27 August 2024, uncovered more than 20,000 counterfeit products. Designated as Special […]

India- Drastic changes to Patent Working Requirements

The filing of a Working Statement (regarding the working of patented inventions on a commercial scale in India) is a statutory requirement under the India Patents Act, 1970 (as amended) (the ‘Act’). Pursuant to the latest amendments to the India Patents Rules, 2003 (as amended) (the ‘Rules’) (read together with the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024 […]

India- Non-attendance at patent hearings cannot tantamount to abandonment

In Star Scientific Limited v. The Controller of Patents and Designs, C.A.(COMM.IPD-PAT) 20/2024, the Delhi High Court reversed the decision of the Controller of Patents and Designs which had rejected patent application no. 202017011947 on the ground that the Applicant/ Appellant did not attend the pre-scheduled hearing (and consequently, that all the objections raised raised […]

Thailand: IP Fair 2024 Highlights Innovations and Business Ideas in Intellectual Property

From August 16-18, 2024, the Department of Intellectual Property Thailand (DIP), in partnership with various public and private sector organizations, hosted IP Fair 2024. This is an annual event to raise awareness about intellectual property (IP), bridge the gap between IP and the business world, and celebrate groundbreaking intellectual creations. The theme for this year’s […]

India- High Court emphasizes the crucial role of procedural fairness in patent application evaluation

The surge in patent filings and government initiatives highlight India’s commitment to fostering innovation. Despite challenges faced by the Indian Patent Office and the applicants, the principles of natural Justice remain pivotal. A recent ruling by the Delhi High Court in the matter of Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC v. The Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs […]