In this case, the plaintiff manufactured ink jet printers and the defendants manufactured and sold compatible ink cartridges, which could be used to replace ink cartridges produced by the plaintiff. Both parties were patent owners in relation to ink cartridges. In 2007, the Singapore High Court decided on whether an infringing party might use the […]
Singapore implements the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive
The application of the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD), by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), comes into fore in Singapore from 1 January 2008. As of the New Year, stiffer penalties will be leveled out to cosmetic companies selling products that contain banned chemicals and preservatives. Fines to be issued have gone up tenfold from $10,000 […]
Vietnam’s Patent Regime – the old and new regulations
Recent changes to Vietnam's patent laws established by the Ministry of Science & Technology in February 2007 are being compared to the older regulations to raise awareness of the patent changes occurring in the socialist republic of Vietnam. The source of the comparisons is from the set of guidelines laid down in Circular No. 01/2007/TT-BKHCN. […]
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 […]
Malaysia’s National Intellectual Property Policy (NIPP)
The Malaysian government in July 2007 has officially announced and launched the much talked about National Intellectual Property Policy. The main undertaking of this policy is to develop intellectual property as a new engine growth for the enhancement of social and economic prosperity. This new policy that this will be achieved by ensuring that the […]
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, […]
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 […]