Patent Oppositions and More Coming Into Effect 31 December 2025
By Joel Cheong On 10 October 2025, the Registrar of Patents issued Notice No. 1/2025, informing that several provisions in the Patents (Amendment) Act 2022 will come into force on 31 December 2025. In addition to the foregoing, the following subsidiary legislations will also come into force on the same date: Patents (Amendment) Regulations 2025 […]
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 […]
Franchise or Licence Agreement?
By G. Yeshanthan Nair Franchising business is often confused with the concept of licensing, which is a common alternative method used by many business owners as both concepts share some similarities with very minimal differences. The confusion occurs as both the concepts grant rights to the other party in exchange for a fee or other […]
Inside FIM2025: What Malaysia’s Biggest Franchise Event Reveals About the Future of Business
Franchising in Malaysia is not just surviving, it is evolving. And nowhere was this more obvious than at Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) 2025, the country’s biggest stage for franchise opportunities, organised by the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) and KUSKOP. Key Takeaways Franchising in Malaysia is evolving rapidly, with FIM2025 showcasing bold concepts in F&B, education, […]
Trademark Filings in ASEAN: A Five-Year Outlook (2020–2024)
In the last five years, trademark activity across ASEAN has painted a fascinating picture of how businesses and brands are expanding their presence in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. From Indonesia’s booming numbers to Malaysia’s steady climb, the filing data tells a story of ambition, growth, and resilience. At KASS International, we’ve had […]
Fair Play in Franchising – How Section 20 Protects You from Discrimination
By G. Yeshanthan Nair When stepping into the world of franchising, fairness is not just a courtesy, it’s a legal requirement. Section 20 of Malaysia’s Franchise Act 1998 serves as a vital safeguard against discriminatory practices within franchise systems. For both aspiring and current franchisees, understanding this provision is key to protecting your rights and […]
Copyright in The Age of Artificial Intelligence: Balancing Innovation and Protection
By Eloise Wilkes-Barnwell The rapid evolution of generative AI technologies has transformed the landscape of creativity, enabling machines to produce text, images, music, and more with unprecedented complexity. Nevertheless, this evolution presents substantial challenges for existing copyright laws which were not designed to anticipate such innovations. As legal systems globally grapple with these complexities, the […]
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 […]
Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and AirAsia: Unravelling The Complexities of Trademark Infringement
By Subithara Ramasamy This article of riveting case in Malaysia has thrust an issue into the spotlight, offering a dramatic exploration of trademark law’s boundaries and the protection of well-known marks. At the centre of this high-stakes legal drama is Malaysia Airlines Sdn Bhd, a titan of the aviation industry and FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (collectively […]
Third Party Observations in Malaysia Change Patent Examinations
By Aaina Kamillia Third-Party Observations (TPO) empower businesses, innovators, and individuals to ensure that only legitimate, novel, and inventive inventions receive patent protection. With the launch of our new Third-Party Observation Filing Service, you now have a powerful tool to challenge patent applications that fail to meet Malaysia’s legal standards for patentability. Key Takeaways Malaysia […]