With the increasing realization among stakeholders of the importance of IP rights, we have seen a large number of disputes pertaining to its protection and preservation. It may not be surprising to see disputes involving two or more such rights. An example is the overlap between copyright and designs, which has been rightly dealt with […]
Latest Developments in Vietnam IP Law
The Vietnamese government has actively taken measures to ensure that the country's IP laws are effective. They have recognized the relationship between economic development and IP protection. In fact the economic development in Vietnam is one of the most progressive one in Southeast Asia in terms of percentage growth of the GDP. So these IP […]
Malaysia - Important aspect of copyright infringement
In a recent copyright infringement case (April 2010) in Malaysia [Suit No: D5 (IP)-22-1152-2005], the local High Court carefully reviewed certain key facts and legal precedents to meticulously analyse and rule on some important aspects of copyright infringement. One such issue pertained to whether protection under the Copyright Act, afforded to a set of drawings […]
Thailand - FIFA World Cup
Copyright in Thailand "It's Offside!" - Broadcasters cry foul amidst football frenzy In this year of the FIFA World Cup, it can be reasonably expected that commercial establishments across the globe would try to cash upon the popularity of the event by screening matches at their outlets in order to increase their clientele. But whether […]
India - Copyright And Designs Act Harmonized
In India, original artistic works may sometimes fall under the Designs Act and the Copyrights Act. This overlap has been much debated and has come up for adjudication several times before the courts. In a recent case, the Copyright Board made some pertinent observations, especially with respect to artistic works produced by the application of […]
India - Copyright Societies Expand Role
Under the Copyrights Act 1957 copyright societies are authorised to grant licences for copyrighted works. No other person except the owner of the work or a copyright society can grant a licence. A copyright society has the task of collective management of the rights of the owners and furthers their interests to prevent infringement of […]
Singapore gets a WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre for Intellectual Property
A. Arbitration and Mediation Centre The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has established its first Arbitration and Mediation Centre in Singapore, the first of its kind outside Geneva. The Centre will primarily deal with intellectual property (IP) disputes originating in Asia Pacific. B. What type of cases will it hear? The new centre will focus […]
Singapore – Do Celebrities have rights to their images?
You are walking down Orchard Road, and you are a Celebrity. Suddenly, out of nowhere, photographers jump out, whip out a camera, and start snapping pictures of you. The next day, your pictures are all over the front page news. What rights do you have to those pictures? The Answer– very little. Privacy Law The […]
Malaysia - Megnaway Enterprise Sdn Bhd v Soon Lian Hoc
The Plaintiff's claim was base on the Defendant's infringement of their Copyright and unlawful interference with the Plaintiff's trade or business. Brief Facts Here the Plaintiff was a private limited company carrying on the business of manufacturing and distributing anti car theft system made especially for local made cars under trademark 'THEF-PRO', since 1991. Meanwhile […]
The Singapore Copyright Tribunal – Recent Changes in the operational and jurisdictional aspects
In today's fast-paced information age, technology continues to transform the business landscape at break-neck speed. It has not only changed the way we perceive and conduct conventional commerce but has also acted as a catalyst, facilitating the advent of new business models and drastically altering the rules of the game. The power unleashed by information […]