Publications

Updates on Singapore patent practice

Following a series of public consultation and discussions, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has confirmed that they will launch a formal procedure for the submission of “third party observations” under which members of the public will be able notify IPOS of information that might be of relevance to the patentability of an invention […]

TRIPS waiver in light of the COVID-19 pandemic in Philippines

The World Health Organization’s – Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS) is a global multilateral agreement on intellectual property (IP).1 The TRIPS Waiver refers to the October 2020 proposal by India and South Africa for a brief waiver of intellectual property rights that protect inventions that are required to prevent, contain or treat COVID-19. They […]

Online Marketplace Vindicated from Cyberattack

On 14 May 2021, Carousell Pte. Ltd. (“Carousell”) informed the Personal Data Protection Commission (“the Commission”) about an incident of unauthorized access to its users’ accounts due to a “credential stuffing” attack. Credential stuffing refers to a type of cyberattack where a cybercriminal accesses user accounts from one organisation using the usernames and passwords stolen […]

Well-Known Software & Technology Company Fined for Erroneous Disclosure of Payroll Information

In its decision dated 30th July 2021, the Personal Data Protection Commission (“the PDPC”) has fined well-known software and technology company, SAP Asia Pte. Ltd. (“SAP”) $13,500 over its breach of its personal data protection obligations under Section 24 of the Personal Data Protection Act (“PDPA”). The Decision follows a complaint received by the PDPC […]

Sporting Goods Company Issued Warning for Data Protection Breach

The Personal Data Protection Commission (“the Commission”) issued a Warning to Specialized Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (“SAP”) for breach its personal data protection obligations under Section 24 of the Personal Data Protection Act (“PDPA”). Specialized Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. is a wholesale company of sporting products and equipment including bicycles and healthcare equipment, established in […]

SINGAPORE: Model Numbers Remain Just That

The following decision concerns the use of model numbers as trademarks and the strength of such trademarks. Nippon Paint (Singapore) Co. Pte. Ltd (the applicant) applied to register NW1 under trademark No. 40201909725V in International Class 1. Warrior Pte Ltd (the opponent) opposed the application on September 12, 2019, relying on its earlier registered marks, […]

India- The IPAB signs off, as the President signs on The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2021

On 4th April 2021, the Honourable President of India announced The Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance, 2021 (the ‘Ordinance’). Pursuant to the Ordinance, the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (‘IPAB’) would be abolished. Before the Ordinance comes into effect, the Ordinance had to be laid before both the Houses of Parliament for consideration, […]

Key Changes in Singapore’s new Copyright Bill

The Second Reading of Singapore’s new Copyright Bill (“Draft Bill”) has been tabled for September 2021. The Draft Bill is set to replace the current Copyright Act (Cap. 60, Rev. Ed. 2006), which has been in force for fifteen years. In particular, it appears that the Draft Bill allows for stronger copyright protection for creators/performers […]