Inside Vietnam’s First Patent Infringement Trial
Vietnam has undergone waves of transformation in the field of intellectual property rights in recent years, leading up to the amendments in the country’s intellectual property law that came into force earlier this year. The highlight of this notable transition was witnessed in the trial of Vietnam’s first patent infringement lawsuit, Hoang Thinh vs Viet My Brick […]
Ever Noticed the “Roof” Device in Malboro’s Packaging?
Thanks to the ingenious advertising and marketing strategies of Phillip Morris Products SA (“Phillip Morris”), the “MALBORO” brand is not only well-known in most countries (to smokers and non-smokers alike) around the world, it also ranked at number 8 out of 100 on Forbes’ list of valuable brands this year. Phillip Morris however, claims that […]
Review: Updates in the Malaysian Trademarks Act 1976
The Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) has recently announced that the Malaysian Trademarks Act 1976 will be amended to bring the Act into substantive conformity with international practices. Our attorneys attended a brief discussion with MyIPO and representatives from various local organizations in relation to the amendments, which will be presented at the House […]
Review: Updates in the Malaysian Patents Act 1983
The Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) has recently announced that the Malaysian Patents Act 1983 will be amended to bring the Act into substantive conformity with international practices. Our attorneys attended a brief discussion with MyIPO and representatives from various local organizations in relation to the amendments, which will be presented at the House […]
Patent Marking in the USA
Recent developments in the US concerning patent markings may have a significant effect on companies that are producing products which may be protected by way of a US patent. The question here is: Are the patents still valid? If the patent in question has expired, do you still indicate the patent number on the packaging […]
Giordano on Sunglasses = Giordano on Clothes?
The GIORDANO saga continues! This case highlights that goodwill and reputation in a trademark do not extend merely to goods which are in the same class that the mark is used for, but also to goods having the “same description”. The case involved Walton International Ltd (the appellant), one of the companies owned by Giordano […]
“Ponni” is Not Free For Use, Malaysian Court Decides
The Applicants, consisting of six correlated parties from India, had sued the registered owner of the mark “Ponni”, for obtaining the exclusive rights to the word “Ponni” by erroneous means. The six Applicants included the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority of India (APEDA), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Indian rice farmers and two […]
Speedy Patent Examination System for Green Technologies
Looking at the current global trend to go “green” or develop a more “eco-friendly” lifestyle, it has become quite clear that the world now recognizes the need to resolve or mitigate environmental impact and to conserve our natural environment and resources. South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America have recently enacted […]
Warning! Scams Relating to Trademark Applications Filed via the Madrid Protocol on the Rise
The Madrid Protocol international filing system has been welcomed with open arms by Applicants residing, domiciled or having a business in its member countries. The Madrid Protocol simplifies the process of filing trademarks in various countries, having benefits such as a single filing procedure and fee for registration in any or all of its member […]
Another Singapore Patent Attacked and Declared Invalid
MacDermid Incorporated (“MacDermid”) filed an application with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) to revoke Singapore Patent No. 45087 entitled “Copper Coating” – owned by Alpha Fry Limited (“Alpha Fry”) – on 14th August 2001. Alpha Fry received a copy of the application along with the statement of the grounds of revocation from IPOS and […]