Similarity is Not Enough: When Evidence, Not Eminence, Decides Trademark Rights
By Ma. Syril Diesta When similarity is obvious, is confusion automatic? The Supreme Court says no. In Innolab Industries, Inc. v. United Laboratories, Inc. (G.R. No. 257075, 5 August 2025), the Supreme Court of the Philippines delivered a pointed reminder on a principle often misunderstood in trademark law: similarity between marks, without more, does not […]
Indonesia Accelerates Trademark Registration: Smooth Applications Now Registered Within Six Months
By Carola Monintja In a significant milestone for Indonesia’s intellectual property (IP) landscape, the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (“DGPI”) has successfully streamlined the trademark registration process. As of mid-2025, trademark applications that meet standard criteria are now registered within a maximum of six months, marking a major shift from previous timelines and positioning Indonesia […]
Case Study: Using Non-Use to Win a Trademark Dispute
Industry: ElevatorMatter Type: Trademark Prosecution, Opposition and Cancellation ProceedingsJurisdiction: MalaysiaStatus: CompletedConfidentiality: Client disclosed Executive Summary This case study demonstrates how proactive litigation strategy and commercial insight can decisively shift the balance in complex trademark disputes. By identifying non-use vulnerabilities in the Opponent’s portfolio, the client was able to neutralise opposition proceedings and strengthen its position […]
Case Study: Defending a Local Brand Against a Global Opponent
Industry: Cosmetic and SkincareMatter Type: Trademark OppositionJurisdiction: MalaysiaStatus: CompletedConfidentiality: Client disclosed with consent Executive Summary This case study demonstrates how sustained, evidence-based advocacy can successfully defend a local brand against opposition from a well-known global trademark owner. Through strategic pleadings, robust evidentiary support, and effective oral advocacy, the client secured registration of its trademark after […]
Case Study: Winning a Decade-Long Trademark Dispute
Industry: Clothing and FashionMatter Type: Trademark OppositionJurisdiction: MalaysiaStatus: CompletedConfidentiality: Client disclosed with consent Executive Summary This case study highlights the importance of sustained legal strategy and evidentiary rigour in defending trademark applications against opposition by established brand owners. Through a structured and persuasive defence, the client successfully secured registration of its mark following a prolonged […]
Korean Food Brands in Thailand: Why Trademark Registration Comes First
By Tipsuda Suttasing The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center buzzed with opportunity as “SEOUL FOOD IN BANGKOK” brought together Korean food exporters and Thai market players for the sole purpose of finding the right Thai distributor to support market entry. Organized by SEOUL FOOD in Bangkok and KOTRA Bangkok, the trade fair showcases the growing […]
Beauty and The Beef: A Trademark Feud of Two Brothers
By Maisarah Afifah Few stories capture the collision between family, business and branding as vividly as Chua Beng Hock v FM Skincare Pte Ltd [2025] SGIPOS 2. It is a tale of two brothers, Adam (the Initiator) and Chris, whose shared a belief that beauty is everyone’s right thus, founded Face of Man, a salon […]
Client Alert: UK IPO Fee Increases from 01 April 2026
by Jaynthi Kanesarajah The UK government has recently announced increases to official fees for trademarks, patents and registered designs, effective 01 April 2026 (subject to parliamentary approval). The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has issued guidance confirming how the new fees will apply during the transition period. Key Points Applications Renewals The applicable renewal fee depends […]
How to Enforce Your Trademark Rights in Indonesia: A Guide to Protecting Your Brand
By Carola Montinja Indonesia’s legal framework for trademarks is designed to prioritize registration rights under the first-to-file system, meaning that protection is granted to the first party who officially registers a mark, rather than the first to use it. This system underscores the importance of registering your trademark early to secure your rights. Trademark law […]
Kutus Kutus: The Trademark Dispute Behind Indonesia’s Iconic Herbal Oil
By Carola Montinja Kutus Kutus, a traditional herbal rub oil from Bali, Indonesia, is widely recognized across the country. It was created and formulated in 2011 by Servasius Bambang Pranoto (“Bambang”), who, following a serious accident that left him partially paralysed, turned to traditional herbal medicine after finding conventional treatments unsatisfactory. Drawing on decades of […]