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 […]
Case Study: Using Non-Use to Win a Trademark Dispute
Industry: ElevatorMatter Type: Trademark Prosecution, Opposition and Cancellation ProceedingsJurisdiction: MalaysiaStatus: CompletedConfidentiality: Client disclosed Executive Summary This case study demonstrates how proactive litigation strategy and commercial insight can decisively shift the balance in complex trademark disputes. By identifying non-use vulnerabilities in the Opponent’s portfolio, the client was able to neutralise opposition proceedings and strengthen its position […]
Case Study: Managing Utility Innovation Disputes with Dual Strategy
Industry: Forestry Machinery and Land VehiclesMatter Type: Patent Litigation (Infringement and Invalidation Analysis)Jurisdiction: MalaysiaStatus: OngoingConfidentiality: Client disclosed with consent Executive Summary This case study illustrates how a dual-track litigation strategy can effectively manage allegations of Utility Innovation (UI) infringement. By assessing infringement exposure alongside the technical validity of the asserted right, the client was able […]
Case Study: Defending Against a Utility Innovation Certificate Claim
Industry: Consumer GoodsMatter Type: Patent Litigation (Infringement and Invalidation Analysis)Jurisdiction: MalaysiaStatus: OngoingConfidentiality: Client disclosed with consent Executive Summary This case study illustrates how a structured, dual-track litigation strategy enables informed decision-making when faced with allegations of Utility Innovation Certificate (UIC) infringement. By analysing infringement exposure and validity risks in parallel, the client was able to […]
Case Study: Defending a Local Brand Against a Global Opponent
Industry: Cosmetic and SkincareMatter Type: Trademark OppositionJurisdiction: MalaysiaStatus: CompletedConfidentiality: Client disclosed with consent Executive Summary This case study demonstrates how sustained, evidence-based advocacy can successfully defend a local brand against opposition from a well-known global trademark owner. Through strategic pleadings, robust evidentiary support, and effective oral advocacy, the client secured registration of its trademark after […]
Case Study: Winning a Decade-Long Trademark Dispute
Industry: Clothing and FashionMatter Type: Trademark OppositionJurisdiction: MalaysiaStatus: CompletedConfidentiality: Client disclosed with consent Executive Summary This case study highlights the importance of sustained legal strategy and evidentiary rigour in defending trademark applications against opposition by established brand owners. Through a structured and persuasive defence, the client successfully secured registration of its mark following a prolonged […]
The Unstoppable Rise of Asia
By Alvin Boey Why 2024 IP Filings Reveal a Fundamental Shift in Global Innovation Strategy. An Expert Analysis of WIPO 2025 Data and the Strategic Imperative for ASEAN Executive Overview The intellectual property landscape of 2024 tells a story that should command the attention of every enterprise with global ambitions. The latest data for year […]