ASPEC+: Re-thinking Patent Prosecution in Southeast Asia
By Hemanisha Baskaran Imagine handling patent prosecution across Southeast Asia (i.e. ASEAN) as one coordinated process instead of multiple separate filings. ASPEC+ makes this possible through a more streamlined and harmonized framework, delivering faster, more consistent, and more efficient outcomes. On 6th April 2026, the ASEAN Member States (AMS) IP Offices officially launched the ASEAN […]
Similarity is Not Enough: When Evidence, Not Eminence, Decides Trademark Rights
By Ma. Syril Diesta When similarity is obvious, is confusion automatic? The Supreme Court says no. In Innolab Industries, Inc. v. United Laboratories, Inc. (G.R. No. 257075, 5 August 2025), the Supreme Court of the Philippines delivered a pointed reminder on a principle often misunderstood in trademark law: similarity between marks, without more, does not […]
Indonesia Accelerates Trademark Registration: Smooth Applications Now Registered Within Six Months
By Carola Monintja In a significant milestone for Indonesia’s intellectual property (IP) landscape, the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (“DGPI”) has successfully streamlined the trademark registration process. As of mid-2025, trademark applications that meet standard criteria are now registered within a maximum of six months, marking a major shift from previous timelines and positioning Indonesia […]
From Thesis to Patent: Critical Points to Know
By Geetha Kandiah This case presents a compelling appellate decision concerning allegations of infringement of moral rights and the invalidation of a patent, brought by a Master’s student against multiple defendants. At first instance, the High Court dismissed the Plaintiff’s claims in their entirety. Background The factual matrix of Veronica Sainik @ Ronald v Meluha […]