China Updates It’s Law On Patenting Of Inventions Using Genetic Resources
With the growth of research in the biotechnology field in many countries, the issue of using genetic resources of one country to develop new pharmaceutical drugs or chemical compounds and commercializing such products is of concern to many countries, especially those with large biodiversity resources. China is seeing an increasing number of patent applications involving […]
Promoting Biosafety For A Sustainable Biodiversity
Modifications to the genetic material of an organism are generally targeted to improve or develop the characteristics found in these organisms. While this can potentially benefit humankind, researchers and society at large are concerned about the unknown effects of introducing these living modified organisms (LMOs) into the environment. LMOs are genetically modified (GM) organisms which […]
Lights, Camera, IP Protection!
Celebrities are famed for their very name and personality – in many instances becoming brands in themselves – making it all the more crucial to protect their names, as well as the names they use as trademarks. Being public figures, they are usually sought after for endorsements, and their lavish livelihood is often more dependent […]
Ban On Stem Cell Patenting – Big Mistake In The Making?
Malaysia, being one of the fast developing countries, has been showing keen interest in stem cell research and therapy. As the awareness in stem cell technology increases, issues like morals and ethics have been raised by various parties such as religious bodies and conservative organizations. These controversies do not only occur in Malaysia but also […]
Exploring Local Biodiversity Resources
It is often claimed that Malaysia is rich in biodiversity resources, that we have the world’s oldest rainforests, that our rainforest is pristine and virgin, untouched commercially by the human hand. But are we taking advantage of this biodiversity asset to serve the needs of the country or the global community? Do we have the technical […]
Are Trademark Searches Worthwhile?
In this globalised world we live in today, finding a brand name that is apt for one’s product and services is a challenge each business faces. With a borderless market provided by the ease of communication and transportation, businesses need to consider the availability of the mark not only in their local market, but also […]
Reasons You Should Avoid Using Descriptive And Generic Marks
Owning a registered trademark gives the owner exclusive rights to do the following: use the mark on its goods and services; and exclude others from using the same or very similar mark on same or related goods and services. However, this monopoly of rights is given – by Trademark Offices worldwide – only to owners […]
What to Do When Your Patent Application Is Refused
What do you do if your intellectual property patents application are refused or objected to or has received an adverse report from the Patent Office? Does it mean the end of your patent application? The patent applicant must know what happens at the Patent Office and what to do upon receiving the examination report.
Top 4 things to look out for when selecting an intellectual property (IP) service provider
Intellectual Property (IP) Rights are gaining prominence in the international marketplace. Globalisation of trade, location of R&D activities, manufacturing, structure and location of IP asset holding companies, recent rapid growth of intellectual property patents and trademark protection service, etc, all are creating challenges to IP service providers. It is important that an appropriate IP service provider is selected to […]
Patents & DCA Approval
If a pharmaceutical drug enjoys patent protection in Malaysia under the Patents Act 1983, can the Drug Control Authority (DCA) of the Ministry of Health grant marketing approval for another generic drug allegedly falling within the claims of the patent and applied for by a rival company? And if marketing approval is given, can the […]