Advancing IP Administration In Cambodia: Digitalization of The Trademark Registration System
By Phylicia Yeoh Cambodia has taken a bold step into the digital age in its intellectual property (IP) journey. According to the latest announcement released by the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, effective 30 September 2025, the Department of Intellectual Property of Cambodia (DIP) has officially launched a paperless trademark registration system, marking a major […]
La Villa Trademark Dispute: When Prior Use Defeats Registration
By Khin Yupar Can a trademark certificate erase a business that was there first? Does registration guarantee exclusivity, or does the marketplace still have the final word? Trademark registration is often perceived as the strongest shield in brand protection. To many businesses, securing a registration signals certainty, exclusivity and legal dominance. Yet the LA VILLA […]
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 […]