Copy Me Not!
Branding is an important factor in marketing one’s goods and/or services. It is a known tool that could turn one into a popular trendsetter. When it comes to branding, one has to be firm, creative and yes, possessive! In a recent case, the Plaintiff, P.T. Swakarya Indah Busana, sought to invalidate 15 “Martin” trademarks (“the […]
Calvin Klein and Gioven Kelvin Trademark Case
In today’s increasingly competitive world of business, one method that companies have found advantageous in terms of distinguishing themselves and their products from their competitors is through the establishment and building of their brands via trademarks. How else would consumers recognize and identify a particular product or service and make their preferred choice? An established […]
The Philippines Accedes to The Madrid Protocol
The Philippines recently became the 85th country to join the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks, better known as the Madrid Protocol. Local companies looking to enter into the global market can now look forward to reduced cost and time spent on their international trademark filing activities as they need […]
Singapore Update: Rum & Tequila Showdown
By Annette Wong Mention rum and one might have visions of pirates and their grog-drinking ways. Sea-faring adventures aside, rum was interestingly also part of a recent trademark case in Singapore. Rum Creation and Products Inc. (“Applicant”) had applied to protect the following three trademarks in Class 33 for Rum:
Indonesian IPR Arbitration and Meditation Agency Established
A new phase in the development of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in Indonesia has been reached: On 19 April 2012, the Intellectual Property Rights Arbitration and Mediation Agency (Badan Arbitrase dan Mediasi Hak Kekayaan Intelektual – BAM HKI) was officially established in Jakarta. Prof. Ahmad Zen Umar Purba, a leading IPR expert in Indonesia, who previously […]
Dispute Over Inherited Trademark: Which Son Wins?
When a trademark is famous, disputes regarding ownership of the trademark are more likely to crop up. This is especially common in family-run businesses when family members who used to work together part ways. In a recent High Court case, two brothers, the First Plaintiff and the First Defendant, sued each other for the wrongful […]
Jacmoli Meets YTL
Mention jewelry and what might come to mind is the famous song belted out by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 movie “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”: “A kiss on the hand can be quite continental… But diamonds are a girl’s best friend” Yes indeed – it’s all about the “sparkle, shape and size”. That single line above became a […]
Singapore Update: Extension of Time For Notice of Opposition
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (“IPOS”) has seen various different circumstances arising from the grey areas of the Trademarks Rules since the relevant amendments were made eleven years ago. One of the main problems arising in this regard relates to the issue of consent to late requests for Extensions of Time during Opposition proceedings. […]
Newsflash: Industrial Design Regulations in Malaysia Updated!
The ushering in of a new year usually brings with it new resolutions and a fresh start to everyone. Likewise, the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (better known as MyIPO) has joined the bandwagon and introduced some changes to our Industrial Design Regulations, with the changes set to be enforced very, very soon – on 15 […]
Singapore Update: The Subway Way
Long gone are the days where the word “Subway” only brought to mind visions of underground trains. Nowadays, more often than not, our thoughts are filled with tantalising images of fresh, tasty and succulent sandwiches, and… clothing? Well, Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) surely thinks so! In this case, the proprietor of Prosperous Enterprise […]