The launch of IPOS International is the latest initiative by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) to drive business growth in the field of intellectual property (IP) in this country. IPOS International has been set up combining IPOS’ enterprise engagement arm, patent examination unit, and IP training arm to function in an advisory capacity […]
Publications
Myanmar: New Patent Law
Myanmar’s Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law No. 7/2019 (“Patent Law”) was approved on 11 March 2019; implementation is still pending. It follows the Trademark and Industrial Design Laws which were approved on 30 January 2019. Under the old patent registration system, Myanmar has no intellectual property laws or legal framework for filing and prosecuting patent applications. The […]
Champagne Awarded GI Status in Cambodia
A geographical indication (“GI”) is a sign that identifies a product as originating from a specific venue or location and has given characteristics and qualities that are unique to its location or origin. Champagne - a sparkling wine made from grapes grown in the French region of the same name, is one of France’s most […]
SINGAPORE: New Intellectual Property Bill Heralds Significant Reform to IP Landscape
Legislative amendments bringing broad-ranging reform to the intellectual property (IP) regime in Singapore were tabled before lawmakers in early July 2019, following public consultations in July 2017 and August 2018. At present, IP disputes are heard in multiple fora including the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), the Singapore State Courts, or the High Court […]
Highlights of Changes to the Malaysian Trade Marks Act
We are excited to share with you the highlights of the changes to the Malaysian Trade Marks Act (“Amended TMA”) which is currently tabled for its third and final reading before the Malaysian Parliament when it sits in October 2019. The salient features of the Amended TMA are as follows: 1. Accession to the Madrid […]
Singapore – Post-grant Patent Amendments Refused in Hitachi Case
In a recently decided case, Singapore Shipping Association and Association of Singapore Marine Industries v Hitachi, Ltd. and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. [2019] SGIPOS 5, the Registrar of Patents of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) refused post-grant amendments to the claims of Singapore Patent No. 159788 under Section 83(1) of the Patents Act, […]
Undeclared Medicinal Ingredients in Seemingly Ubiquitous Products Lands Parties in Hot Soup
In Singapore, it is illegal to sell and supply products which contain undeclared potent medicinal ingredients. Anyone found contravening the said requirement is liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to 3 years and/ or face a fine of up to $100,000. Despite the deterrent mechanism which is in place, the […]
SINGAPORE: Tobacco Plain Packaging Law Becomes Effective July 2020
Since the introduction of measures regarding standardized packaging for all tobacco products by Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) in October 2018, and the passing of the amendments to the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act in March 2019, the MOH has introduced a subsidiary legislation to implement the new packaging and labeling requirements for […]
Indonesia: Well-Known Mark Triumphs over Registered Trademark in Indonesia
Dewi Nilasari (appellant), a local entrepreneur, failed to retain proprietary rights to the NOVEC 1230 mark after the Indonesian Supreme Court dismissed her appeal in Decision No. 160 K/Pdt.Sus-HKI/2019 on February 21, 2019. The appellant registered her mark in 2013 in Classes 9 (IDM000487501), 35 (IDM000487594), and 38 (IDM000487620). In 2016, the application by 3M […]
Philippines – IPOPHL Clarifies Rules for Filing Divisional Patent Applications
On 1 September 2018, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (“IPOPHL”) issued a Memorandum Circular No. 18-0031 setting out the conditions and considerations when filing a divisional patent application in the Bureau of Patents (“BOP”). According to rules 610 and 611 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations2 (Revised IRR), an applicant can file […]