Trademark Trouble: Why Your ‘Klever’ Brand Name Might Backfire
By Geetha Kandiah Deliberately misspelling a descriptive term to create a distinctive trademark is generally ineffective and can lead to legal challenges. Trademark law evaluates the overall impression of a mark, and slight misspellings often fail to alter the perception of the term as descriptive or generic. What is worst than the legal challenges is […]
Women in Franchising: Why It Works?
By: Geetha Kandiah & Shevithra Selva Mohan In today’s ever evolving business world, franchising has become a powerful avenue for people looking to achieve business success with a structured framework. Over the years, many women have embraced franchising as their go-to business model, leaving a mark on the industry and inspiring countless others. This article […]
Greener Thailand: Fast-Tracking Innovation for a Sustainable Future
By Wipaphat S. Trossel Thailand is currently grappling with significant air pollution challenges, particularly concerning PM2.5 particles—fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. Recent reports indicate that 64 out of 77 provinces have experienced unsafe levels of PM2.5, with some areas recording concentrations as high as 95.5 micrograms per cubic meter, […]
Fight for “Prosecco” – Italians v Australians
By Phylicia Yeoh Geographical Indications (GIs) serve as powerful markers in trade, distinguishing products originating from specific regions renowned for their unique qualities. These indications not only identify a product’s origin but also underscore the intrinsic link between the geographical region and its distinctive characteristics. Key Takeaways Italians Applied For A GI In Singapore […]
Cautionary Notices in Myanmar – What Use Are These Now?
By Geetha Kandiah The above is one of the questions we are frequently asked by clients. With Myanmar enacting and enforcing a new Patent Act, what then is the purpose of all the Cautionary Notices that were filed in the past years by patent owners? Key Takeaways Cautionary Notices Were Used Before The New Patent […]
The Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024: A Deep Dive into Southeast Asia’s Innovation Landscape
By Geetha Kandiah Innovation is a key driver of economic growth, competitiveness, and societal progress. The Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024 serves as a critical benchmark to assess the innovation capabilities and performances of countries worldwide. Published annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in collaboration with other international organizations and academic institutions, the […]
[The Intern Interview] Exploring New Horizons: My Journey as an International Business Intern at KASS
Stepping out of my comfort zone and into a whole new world of experiences, my internship at KASS has been nothing short of transformative. As an International Business student, I wanted to challenge myself in a foreign work environment, and Malaysia turned out to be the perfect place. From learning about corporate communication to gaining […]
Enforcing Copyright Registration in Myanmar
By Khin Yupar Lin The Myanmar Copyright Law, which was enacted on May 24, 2019, and came in effect on October 31, 2023, with Order 218/2024 by the State Administration Council, marked a significant milestone in intellectual property rights protection within the country. This law replaced the previous copyright act (1914) and introduced several key […]
Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and AirAsia: Unravelling The Complexities of Trademark Infringement
By Subithara Ramasamy This article of riveting case in Malaysia has thrust an issue into the spotlight, offering a dramatic exploration of trademark law’s boundaries and the protection of well-known marks. At the centre of this high-stakes legal drama is Malaysia Airlines Sdn Bhd, a titan of the aviation industry and FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (collectively […]
Franchise or Licence Agreement a Dilemma?
By Shevithra Selva Mohan Introduction In the realm of business agreement, the fine line between a Franchise Agreement and Licence Agreement often demands a discerning eye. The case of Janet Ooi Hui Ming v STC Management Sdn Bhd & Anor [2020] stands as a compelling example, showcasing the complexity inherent in discerning whether an agreement […]