Tiktok Lost Its Trademark Opposition Against ‘Tiki’ In Singapore: A Trademark Showdown Explained
By Eloise Wilkes-Barnewall When big companies perceive the registration of a particular trademark could impose on their trademark protection, and consequently, their brand reputation and market presence, it is not uncommon for them to challenge the application of said threatening trademarks. In December 2021 and January 2022, tech giant ByteDance Ltd (“the Opponent”), owner of […]
How Does One Choose A Franchise To Embark On?
By G. Yeshanthan Nair Feeling overwhelmed about choosing the right franchise? You’re not alone. With hundreds of brands, multiple industries, and outlet types to choose from — from trendy kiosks to full-scale stores, deciding where to begin can feel like standing at a massive crossroads. Should you jump into F&B, invest in education, or ride […]
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 […]
What is the code of your consciousness?: Exploring the Language of Your Thoughts
By Jasmine Lim You won’t usually think about this, but we think in a language. For most, that language is most likely their mother tongue. For others, it is the language that they grew up with (that’s why non-English people can be native English speakers).
Protecting Trade Dress in Thailand: FIRE TIGER vs. THE FIRE BEAR
By Tipsuda Suttasing Trade dress is the overall appearance and feel of a product or service that identifies the source of the product or service and distinguishes it from that of others. It includes, but is not limited to, color, shape, size, configuration, and product packaging. Trade dress also refers to the overall presentation of […]
One Name, Two Brands: How to Protect Monopoly?
Destination Branding: How IP Can Boost Tourism
By Wipaphat S. Trossel For many countries, tourism is a catalyst for social development. At the start of 2020, the economic growth of these countries was hard-hit by travel restrictions affecting not only the tourism industry, but also all commercial activities connected to it. As a perennial tourist favourite, Thailand was naturally affected as well. […]
Thinking Of Using Your Surname As A Trademark?
By P. Kandiah Did you know that many well-known brands are the names of the original founders of the business? Yes, you can use your name as a trademark for the products you manufacture, or for the services you provide (subject to certain conditions that we’ll discuss below). Key Takeaways Surname as Trademark – […]
Use It Or Lose It: Can You Lose Your Registered Trademark Rights From Non-Use?
By Lauren Bennardo Choi Sun Mi v Comfort Lab Inc [2022] SGIPOS 2 It is often assumed that once your trademark is registered, your rights are indisputable. However, this is not entirely correct. Did you know that you can lose the registration of your registered trademark if it is not used? Failure to properly use […]
Luke, I am your father. Or not?
By Alex Soh Can you confirm which of the following is the correct spelling for the brands?