Transforming Businesses Through Strategic IP Utilization
In a business environment shaped by rapid innovation, shifting markets and increasing competition, intellectual property (IP) has become far more than a legal tool. It is now a strategic engine capable of strengthening business resilience, enhancing competitiveness and driving sustained growth. In an interview with The Global Woman Leader, Geetha K, Managing Director of KASS […]
Consumer Goods Patent Dispute
Industry: Consumer Goods Matter Type: Patent Litigation (Infringement & Invalidation Analysis) Status: Ongoing Background and Challenge A consumer goods manufacturer received a legal notice alleging infringement of a third party’s Malaysian Utility Innovation Certificate (UIC). The allegation posed significant commercial and legal risks, requiring immediate expert intervention to assess the validity of the claim and formulate an effective defense strategy. Key Takeaways The client faced a significant infringement allegation involving a Malaysian Utility Innovation Certificate, requiring immediate technical and legal assessment to mitigate commercial and legal risks. KASS International’s dual-track approach provided a clear understanding of both […]
Forestry Machinery Patent Dispute
Industry: Forestry Machinery and Land Vehicles Matter Type: Patent Litigation (Infringement & Invalidation Analysis) Status: Ongoing Background and Challenge A forestry machinery manufacturer faced allegations of infringing a third party’s Utility Innovation (UI) patent. The client required expert assessment to determine both the merit of the infringement claim and potential vulnerabilities in the opposing patent. Key Takeaways The client successfully secured trademark registration after overcoming opposition from a major fashion brand, reaffirming the distinctiveness and legitimacy of their mark. The 12-year dispute highlighted the importance of consistent legal strategy and long-term case management in […]
Fashion Brand Trademark Opposition Victory
Industry: Clothing and Fashion Matter Type: Trademark Opposition Status: Completed – Client Victory Background and Challenge A fashion industry client’s trademark application faced opposition from a major brand claiming confusing similarity. The client firmly believed their mark was distinctive and non-infringing, requiring robust defense to secure registration rights. Key Takeaways The client successfully secured trademark registration after overcoming opposition from a major fashion brand, reaffirming the distinctiveness and legitimacy of their mark. The 12-year dispute highlighted the importance of consistent legal strategy and long-term case management in protecting […]
Cosmetics Brand Trademark Battle – Landmark 29 Year Victory
Industry: Cosmetics and Skincare Matter Type: Trademark Opposition Status: Completed – Client Victory (No Appeal) Background and Challenge A cosmetics manufacturer faced trademark opposition from a globally recognized brand alleging confusing similarity. This high-stakes dispute required exceptional legal endurance and strategic expertise to defend the client’s brand identity against a formidable opponent. Key Takeaways The client successfully defended its trademark after facing opposition from […]
Patent Oppositions and More Coming Into Effect 31 December 2025
by Joel Cheong On 10 October 2025, the Registrar of Patents issued Notice No. 1/2025, informing that several provisions in the Patents (Amendment) Act 2022 will come into force on 31 December 2025. In addition to the foregoing, the following subsidiary legislations will also come into force on the same date: Key Takeaways Post-Grant Patent […]
Timor-Leste: A New Dawn for Patents and IP in ASEAN’s Youngest Member
By Alvin Boey I have not yet visited Timor-Leste but as someone who has worked with innovators and businesses across ASEAN for close to two decades, I have followed with great interest how this young and spirited nation is preparing to take its place in the regional innovation ecosystem. And now, with Timor-Leste officially accepted […]
Timor-Leste: The Emerging Landscape for Trademarks and Industrial Designs in ASEAN’s Newest Member
By Alvin Boey The halls of Kuala Lumpur recently played host to a gathering that underlined one clear truth: ASEAN is no longer a back-water of global commerce, it is a global crossroads. At the 47th ASEAN Summit hosted in Kuala Lumpur between 26 and 28 October 2025, leaders from across Southeast Asia sat alongside […]
Singapore’s PPH Pilot Initiative – Partial Refund: Faster Patent Grants and Cost Savings
By Aiman Farhan The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has launched the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) partial refund pilot initiative, in effect from 15 September 2025 to 31 December 2027. Under this initiative, applicants whose PPH requests are accepted will be entitled to a 30% refund of the official Search and Examination or Examination-only […]
Indonesia’s Patent Law Update: Mandatory Submission of Working Statements
By Carola Monintja In line with Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its intellectual property framework, the Law No. 65 of 2024 (Third Amendment to the Patent Law) introduces a clear requirement for all patent holders to submit an annual Statement of Working for every granted Indonesian patent. At its core, the Statement of Working is […]