Registeres “Raffles” Marks Attacked in Singapore

 vs               Registered “Raffles” mark                            UNregistered “Raffles Fine Arts Auctioneers” mark The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) recently decided on a trademark invalidation case. On 30 April 2003, applications to invalidate a registered “Raffles” word mark in […]

What’s in a Shape and Color of a Pharmaceutical Tablet?

If a product has a novel shape and configuration, appeals to the eye, and is not dictated by a function, then the shape can be registered as an Industrial Design. Upon registration, exclusive rights are given to the owner of the design for a limited period of time. Furthermore, if the shape of a product […]

Innovation Focus: Changes in Vietnam’s IP Landscape

With the increase in registered capital requirements, tax rise and the tightening of labor and environmental laws in China, many factories are now making the move to Vietnam. The growth of manufacturing companies in Vietnam, in turn, results in a higher need for intellectual property (IP) protection there.The Vietnamese Government is aware of this change […]

Thai Courts Shed Light on Descriptive vs Suggestive Trademarks

The Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court in Thailand recently decided in favour of an Indian corporation, Colorplus Fashions, on the registrability of their trademark “COLORPLUS”. The Applicant had previously applied for the registration of the mark “COLORPLUS” in Class 25 in Thailand, claiming apparel products. The word “COLORPLUS” in itself may not have […]