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 […]
Discover Your Purpose, Build Your Future: Why Your Next Career Move Should Be at KASS International
At KASS International, we believe a career should be more than a job. It should be a journey of purpose, growth, and impact. From protecting groundbreaking innovations to helping global brands secure their intellectual property, every project we take on shapes the future of business. And now, we’re looking for passionate minds to shape that […]
Fast-Tracking Innovation: The MyIPO–IPOS Patent Prosecution Highway
By Ahmad Haikal Introduction In an era where innovation drives economic growth, streamlining patent processes is crucial for inventors seeking protection across borders. The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program between the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) represents a significant step in this direction. By leveraging the […]
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 […]