Amendments to the Thailand Trademark Act will take effect on 28 July 2016. The amended Act introduces amendments to the trademark registration process, extends its protective scope and revises the applicable deadlines and fees. A summary of the amendments to the Trademark Act is described in the table below: Changes Before After Amendment on 28 […]
Singapore - Patentable Subject Matter Clarified
After taking into consideration feedback from patent practitioners and policies of foreign patent offices that are relevant to Singapore, the Intellectual Property Office of the Singapore (IPOS) has released a revised version of the Examination Guidelines for Patent Applications, which contains amendments to the section concerning patentable subject matter. The guidelines state that the assessment […]
Vietnam - Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Pilot Program Commences in April 2016 for Japanese Patent Applications
Japan and Vietnam implemented a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program that took effect on 01 April 2016. In 2014, approximately 50% of the total filed applications at the NOIP remained pending and unexamined. To facilitate the reduction of backlog at NOIP and expedite the patent examination process, NOIP signed its first Patent Prosecution Highway […]
Myanmar Update : 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) […]
Stringent Time Limits for Submitting Formal Documents in Thailand
The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) of Thailand has imposed a more stringent time limit for submitting formal documents for patent applications effective 21 July 2015. Previously, patent applicants were allowed to file two 90-day extension requests, followed by a final 30-day extension request for submitting a notarized Power of Attorney, a Deed of Assignment […]
WIPO Members in Singapore for Revised Trademark Law Treaty
The Diplomatic Conference for the Adoption of a Revised Trademark Law Treaty (TLT) has opened on Monday 13th March 2006 in Singapore. It is the first time that a diplomatic conference in the field of intellectual property is held in Asia. And for Singapore, it has a strong significance according to Deputy Prime Minister and […]
Malaysia Contemplates Intellectual Property Rights Sharing
With the increased realization by the government of Malaysia that it is imperative to develop an innovation-driven economy, the government is taking steps to allow the IP rights derived from inventions made in research work undertaken with government grants to be jointly owned by the government, the respective research institute as well as the inventors […]
Malaysia has deposited its instrument of accession to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) on 16 May 2006.
The said treaty will enter into force on 16 August 2006 and PCT applications filed on or after 16th August 2006 will automatically designate Malaysia. More than 1.2 million international patent applications covering new technology have been filed since the PCT began operating in 1978. Malaysia became the 131st contracting states of the PCT to […]
Protection of Intellectual Property Rights: Prelude to Free Trade Agreement between Malaysia and the US
It is widely known that Malaysia has yet to seal the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States although the pact will encourage greater liberalization of foreign investment between the United States and Malaysia as well as deliver stronger Malaysian growth, prospects of higher investments into the country, higher quality medicines for illnesses and […]