Change of Patent Law in Singapore from “Self-Assessment” to “Positive Grant” System
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) will implement a new system in their patent law and regulations, effective 11 January 2014. New Singapore national applications, PCT national phase applications and divisional patent applications filed on or after the effective date will be prosecuted under the new “Positive Grant System”. Currently IPOS practices a “Self-Assessment […]
Dior VS Baby Dior
By Carla Monintja “I create so that each and every woman is the most beautiful“ – a quote from Christian Dior that epitomized his great appreciation of beauty, which naturally extended to his work as well. Even though Christian Dior passed away a long time ago, his name still evokes the same grandeur nowadays. Everything – […]
Soy Milk Scrimmage : Ronic Corporation VS Cadware Sdn Bhd
Soy milk, a lactose-free alternative to cow milk, takes considerable time and effort to prepare. Sensing a business opportunity, several companies have decided to capitalize on this by making appliances that make soy milk without the hassle. Two companies selling such devices, Ronic Corporation (“Ronic”) and Cadware Sdn Bhd (“Cadware”) found themselves in a legal […]
The “KENZO” Dilemma
Kenzo Tsujimoto (hereafter known as “the Applicant”) is the proprietor of a winery in Napa Valley, California, USA. He filed for a trademark application in Singapore for the word mark “KENZO ESTATE” for “wine, alcoholic beverages of fruit and western liquors” in Class 33. When the application was published, Kenzo (“the Opponent”), the proprietor of […]
The Swiss Chocolate Saga Continues…
Fancy eating Swiss chocolate? Imagine buying chocolate thinking it is Swiss chocolate because of the look and feel of the packaging, and even a Swiss sounding name that lures you into buying it – only to find out that it is our very own locally-made chocolate! This situation is what Chocosuisse Union Des Fabricants Suisses […]
Trademarks: Use It or Lose It
Trademarks, like many things in life (e.g., from your gluteal muscles to your brain), will be lost it if you don’t use it. As its name suggests, a trademark is a mark that is used in trade to distinguish the goods/services of one undertaking from those of other undertakings. Following that, in most countries trademark […]
Angry Birds Get Angry In Indonesia
Are you a game lover? If your answer is yes, I’m sure you know about “Angry Birds”. Even non-gamers know of these bad-tempered birds, which have become a phenomenon all over the world, winning over both children and adults, who play these games on their PC, smartphones or tablets. The popularity of the Angry Birds […]
Which Ken Gets Barbie?
Ken and Barbie, as we all know, are one of those quintessential matches made in heaven. Ever since Ken was introduced in 1961, he has held over 40 occupations. It is therefore safe to assume that Ken is either the “Jack of all trades” or a person with multiple personalities. However, despite his ever changing […]
What Happens When Your Trademark Loses Its Distinctiveness?
To be caught in a situation where your mark has lost its distinctiveness is truly awful, and potentially disastrous to companies or trademark owners. When you create a mark, with its uniquely coined name and/or logo, and seek protection for that creation, you would surely believe that it is exclusive and that no one else […]
Genericide: The Fallen Trademarks
One day, my brother and I were playing on the ESCALATOR. I wanted to play FRISBEEi but my brother wanted to practise tricks with his YO-YO instead. He had learnt the tricks from a VIDEOTAPE that mother had bought him last Christmas. I got a lousy WALKMANii instead. Suddenly, I realised that Lucas, the HEROIN addict was right behind us. He had multiple BAND-AIDS on his […]