Are Franchise Agreements Really Important? 

By Jayvier Lee  A strong and comprehensive franchise agreement, drafted by an expert franchise lawyer or legal counsel, is essential for protecting both the franchisor and the franchisee. This agreement lays a strong foundation, setting the stage for a successful and collaborative franchise journey.  Did you know that one of the main factors behind any […]

IPOPHL sets Mandatory Payment of Issuance and Publication Fees at the Time Of Filing A Request for Renewal of Trademark in Philippines

By Syril Diesta In order to streamline work processes and automate business-related transactions pertaining to the renewal of trademark registrations, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has issued Memorandum Circular No. 2024-0023, which took effect on 25 July 2024, which amends IPOPHL Memorandum Circular No. 2023-001, or the Rules and Regulations on Trademarks, […]

[Series 2] Business Name Versus Trademark: Crafting Your Business Identity Amidst Legal Harmony

By Linh Nguyen Overview of the law case Parties: Plaintiff: Dat Xanh Group (abbreviated as DXG) Defendant: Real Estate Dat Xanh 47 Company Limited (abbreviated as DX 47). DXG, having business registration granted by Department of Planning and Investment in Hochiminh on 23/11/2003, owns trademarks “Dat Xanh” protected under several trademark registrations since 05/03/2009. The […]

Wait, is this Eng the Same as that Eng? – Confusingly Similar Trademarks

By Nadia Syakirah What’s worse than having a rival noodle shop opening across the street? Having the same name! In a recent Singapore decision in the case of Eng’s Wantan Noodle Pte Ltd vs Eng’s Char Siew Wantan Mee Pte Ltd [2023] SGHCR 17, it may seem like an interim pre-trial decision in respect of […]

A Legal Analysis on Misinterpreted Agreements: Dr Premananthan a/l Vasuthevan v Permai Polyclinics Sdn Bhd [2015] 5 MLJcon 127

By Yeshanthan Nair Introduction The case of Dr. Premananthan a/l Vasuthevan v Permai Polyclinics Sdn Bhd revolves around the issue on unlawful termination of a management agreement entered between the Plaintiff, a medical doctor operating a private clinic, and the Defendant, a company providing management services to medical practices. However, the Plaintiff raised an argument […]

Strategic Branding: Managing IP Rights in Culinary Business

By Rachapat Sumjinda Food entrepreneurs contribute to the diversity of food products in the market. By exploring the critical role of Intellectual Property (IP) rights in safeguarding and promoting innovation within the food industry, from the inception of culinary ideas to their presentation at the dinner table, various forms of IP protections are available to […]

A Caffeinated Clash: Starbucks vs. Starbung

By Rachapat Sumjinda Starbucks, the world-renowned coffee chain with branches across the globe, is known for its premium quality coffee and exceptional customer service. With over 36,000 outlets globally and continued revenue growth, Starbucks is clearly doing something right. However, its prices are often considered steep, particularly among average income earners in certain countries, resulting […]