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. […]
Client Alert: UK IPO Fee Increases from 01 April 2026
by Jaynthi Kanesarajah The UK government has recently announced increases to official fees for trademarks, patents and registered designs, effective 01 April 2026 (subject to parliamentary approval). The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has issued guidance confirming how the new fees will apply during the transition period. Key Points Applications Renewals The applicable renewal fee depends […]
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 […]
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: Patents (Amendment) Regulations 2025 […]
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
IPOS Launches PPH Partial Refund Pilot: Save 30% on Patent Examination Fees 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 […]