From Practice To Policy: What Indonesia’s 2026 Trademark Regulation Really Changes
By Carola Monintja When the Indonesian Ministry of Law introduced Regulation No. 5 of 2026, effective 23 February 2026, it was more than a routine regulatory update. For those familiar with trademark practice in Indonesia, the changes reflect a deliberate effort to streamline the system and bring greater operational clarity to processes that had, over […]
Indonesia’s Patent Framework Recalibrated 2026
By Carola Monintja When Indonesia introduced Minister of Law Regulation No. 6 of 2026 on Patent Applications, it did not present itself as a sweeping overhaul. However, on closer review, it becomes clear that this is a carefully considered recalibration of how patent applications are managed in practice. Issued on 13 January 2026 and effective […]
How Does One Choose A Franchise To Embark On?
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 the wellness wave? And […]
Vietnam’s Amended Intellectual Property Law (Effective 1 April 2026): Key Updates For IP Holders
By Linh Nguyen On 10 December 2025, Vietnamese National Assembly adopted the Amended Law on Intellectual Property, which will take effect on 1 April 2026. The amendments represent a significant step towards strengthening IP protection, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and aligning Vietnam’s IP framework with international trade commitments and the realities of the digital economy. For enterprises operating in Vietnam including domestic companies […]
Korean Food Brands in Thailand: Why Trademark Registration Comes First
By Tipsuda Suttasing The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center buzzed with opportunity as “SEOUL FOOD IN BANGKOK” brought together Korean food exporters and Thai market players for the sole purpose of finding the right Thai distributor to support market entry. Organized by SEOUL FOOD in Bangkok and KOTRA Bangkok, the trade fair showcases the growing […]
WWII’s Hidden Patents: Innovation Forged in Conflict
By Alvin Boey Two decades in patent prosecution change the way you read the world. After more than twenty years of drafting patents, carrying out intense intellectual debates i.e. arguing with Examiners, and watching ideas slowly mature into enforceable rights, you start to realise something that no textbook ever quite captures: patents are historical fingerprints […]
A Guide to Patentable Inventions in Myanmar
By Khin Yupar Myanmar, with its population of 54.58 million, is on the brink of a dynamic new era in innovation. In this rapidly evolving environment, protecting your own or your client’s intellectual property is vital for staying ahead and securing lasting success. The enforcement of the Myanmar Patent Law in November 2024 marks a […]
Copyright, Clicks and Certainty: Malaysia’s Quiet But Consequential Reset
By Amir Murshidi For years, Malaysia’s copyright system has lived with a paradox. On paper, copyright protection in Malaysia has always been strong—automatic, transnational and Berne-compliant. In practice, however, creators, businesses and practitioners alike have grappled with a less elegant reality: a voluntary notification system that drifted between manual queues, intermittent online availability and procedural […]
Beauty and The Beef: A Trademark Feud of Two Brothers
By Maisarah Afifah Few stories capture the collision between family, business and branding as vividly as Chua Beng Hock v FM Skincare Pte Ltd [2025] SGIPOS 2. It is a tale of two brothers, Adam (the Initiator) and Chris, whose shared a belief that beauty is everyone’s right thus, founded Face of Man, a salon […]
Timor-Leste: A Strategic Frontier for Forward-Looking Businesses and Brand Owners
By Carola Monintja A Young Nation with Untapped Potential Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia’s youngest nation, occupies a strategically important position between Indonesia and Australia, two of the region’s most significant economic players. While still in an emerging market, Timor-Leste offers a unique proposition for businesses seeking early entry into a developing economy with long-term growth potential. […]