Singapore IP Policy Cases: IPOS Strengthens the Criteria on Assessment of Post-grant Amendments

In Singapore, post-grant amendments are allowed at the discretion of the court or the Registrar.  The amendments are assessed under Section 84(3) of the Patents Act. The court or the Registrar may allow the amendments to the specification of the patent if: (a)    The amendment does not result in disclosing additional matter; or (b)    The […]

Thailand Trademark Legislation: Amends Act

Amendments to the Thailand Trademark Act will take effect on 28 July 2016. The amended Act introduces amendments to the trademark registration process, extends its protective scope and revises the applicable deadlines and fees. A summary of the amendments to the Trademark Act is described in the table below: Changes Before After Amendment on 28 […]

Singapore – Patentable Subject Matter Clarified

After taking into consideration feedback from patent practitioners and policies of foreign patent offices that are relevant to Singapore, the Intellectual Property Office of the Singapore (IPOS) has released a revised version of the Examination Guidelines for Patent Applications, which contains amendments to the section concerning patentable subject matter. The guidelines state that the assessment […]

Vietnam – Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Pilot Program Commences in April 2016 for Japanese Patent Applications

Japan and Vietnam implemented a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program that took effect on 01 April 2016. In 2014, approximately 50% of the total filed applications at the NOIP remained pending and unexamined. To facilitate the reduction of backlog at NOIP and expedite the patent examination process, NOIP signed its first Patent Prosecution Highway […]

Myanmar Update : Trademark Practice

With significant changes in the political landscape of Myanmar (also known as Burma), there are similar expectations for corresponding changes in the economic and business practices as well. This further affects the expectations of IP holders to better protect their rights in this country. Currently, Myanmar is working with the World Intellectual Property office (WIPO) […]

Impact of China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement on Intellectual Property System and Vice Versa

China-ASEAN free trade agreement has taken its full effect since 1 January 2010 and in terms of trade volume, creates the world’s third-largest free trade zone after European Economic Area and the North American Free Trade Area. This trade agreement between China and the 10 ASEAN countries, namely Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, […]