Microsoft Presses on in Copyright Infringement Dispute

Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”) is a company that needs no introduction, being globally renowned for designing, producing, marketing and supporting a broad range of computer-related products. The company recently brought a civil action against Act Integrated System Sdn Bhd, alleging them of infringing Microsoft’s copyright in their computer programmes by reproducing and marketing pirated copies without […]

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 […]

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:

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 […]

Venturing into Foreign Countries with your own brand of products or services

The process of starting or conducting business in a foreign land is hardly an easy task, especially if a company intends to build and spread its brand in that particular country. There are many aspects that the company or enterprise should consider, from operating costs to the local practices and even the languages of the […]