KASS International Takes Center Stage at AIPPI World Congress 2025 in Yokohama
September 2025 — From 13 to 16 September, over 2,000 Intellectual Property professionals from across the globe converged in Yokohama, Japan, for the 2025 AIPPI World Congress. Hosted at the Pacifico Yokohama, this year’s Congress marked one of the largest gatherings in AIPPI’s history, featuring an unprecedented number of judges and in-house experts participating in […]
Practical Guide For Trademark Use In Vietnam
By Van Trinh Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) are gaining significant attention from the Vietnamese government, not only as a means to safeguard the true value of IP assets but also as a catalyst for technology and innovation. Backed by strong governmental support and a clear national strategy to combat counterfeiting and protect consumers, Vietnam is […]
Tiktok Lost Its Trademark Opposition Against ‘Tiki’ In Singapore: A Trademark Showdown Explained
By Eloise Wilkes-Barnewall When big companies perceive the registration of a particular trademark could impose on their trademark protection, and consequently, their brand reputation and market presence, it is not uncommon for them to challenge the application of said threatening trademarks. In December 2021 and January 2022, tech giant ByteDance Ltd (“the Opponent”), owner of […]
How Does One Choose A Franchise To Embark On?
By G. Yeshanthan Nair Feeling overwhelmed about choosing the right franchise? You’re not alone. With hundreds of brands, multiple industries, and outlet types to choose from — from trendy kiosks to full-scale stores, deciding where to begin can feel like standing at a massive crossroads. Should you jump into F&B, invest in education, or ride […]
Franchise or Licence Agreement?
By G. Yeshanthan Nair Franchising business is often confused with the concept of licensing, which is a common alternative method used by many business owners as both concepts share some similarities with very minimal differences. The confusion occurs as both the concepts grant rights to the other party in exchange for a fee or other […]
Are Myanmar’s Businesses Leaving Their Designs Unprotected?
By Khin Yupar As Myanmar continues its journey toward a modernized economy, many businesses are still navigating unfamiliar terrain when it comes to intellectual property (IP) rights. Despite Myanmar’s developing legal framework, design protection remains underutilized, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Key Takeaways Design protection in Myanmar is still underutilized, with many SMEs […]
Inside FIM2025: What Malaysia’s Biggest Franchise Event Reveals About the Future of Business
Franchising in Malaysia is not just surviving, it is evolving. And nowhere was this more obvious than at Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) 2025, the country’s biggest stage for franchise opportunities, organised by the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) and KUSKOP. Key Takeaways Franchising in Malaysia is evolving rapidly, with FIM2025 showcasing bold concepts in F&B, education, […]
Trademark Filings in ASEAN: A Five-Year Outlook (2020–2024)
In the last five years, trademark activity across ASEAN has painted a fascinating picture of how businesses and brands are expanding their presence in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. From Indonesia’s booming numbers to Malaysia’s steady climb, the filing data tells a story of ambition, growth, and resilience. At KASS International, we’ve had […]
KASS International is Now on Xiaohongshu: A New Chapter in Making IP More Accessible
At KASS, we’ve always believed that Intellectual Property (IP) shouldn’t be locked behind legal jargon or seen as something only for large corporations. The truth is, IP is for everyone — from solo entrepreneurs and startups to family businesses and global brands. And now, we’re taking that message to a new platform. We’ve officially launched […]
Intern Spotlight: Stephanie’s Cross-Jurisdictional Internship Experience
Meet Stephanie, currently a second-year Juris Doctor (JD) student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, she joined KASS to deepen her understanding of intellectual property law through a truly regional lens. With prior experience in domain infringement and trademark filings, she saw KASS’s footprint across ASEAN and beyond as the perfect training ground to […]