Myanmar has yet to produce its own specific legislation on trademarks. As a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), the nation is expected to deliver its IP laws in the near future to provide protection for trademarks, copyright, patents, and other intellectual property. From August 8-10, 2017, […]
Thailand Patent Registry Set to Enforce Modified Examination Regime for Greater Efficiency
Throughout 2017 so far, the government in Thailand has been signalling its intention to revamp the country’s patent system to provide a more efficient standard of service to applicants and inventors. In February, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O Cha pledged to urgently deal with a problem: around 20,000 domestic and international patent applications made to the […]
Singapore Announces New Patent Rules and Fees to Promote Innovation
Singapore has recently announced a range of major changes to its patent rules that will affect those seeking protection in a variety of ways. On 28 February 2017, changes to the Patents (Amendment) Bill were approved to revamp the patent application system, commencing on 1 January 2020. The new Bill aims at a more stringent […]
Increase in Official Fees for Patents in India
The Government of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion) has published the Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2014 on 28 February 2014. The amendments are effective from the date of publication. The salient aspects of the amended rules include: Applicant: Introduction of a third category of applicant for patent in the […]
Indonesia Legislation: Moves Towards Consolidation of Data Privacy Laws
Of all human rights, privacy can be one of the most difficult to balance. This is exacerbated by the Internet where free, easy and voluntary dissemination of information is routine both in the business and privately. The use of this rapidly developing technology continues to raise doubts regarding security of information and legal certainty. Data […]
Regulatory Guidelines on Importation of Medicinal Products into Singapore
All medicinal products imported or sold in Singapore are required to be licensed by the Health Products Regulation Group of the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Under the Medicines Act, a medicinal product is defined as “any substance which is to be used for administration to human beings and animals for the diagnosis, prevention or […]
New Patents Order In Brunei Darussalam
A new Patents Order, 2011 has come into force in Brunei Darussalam, effective January 1, 2012. This legislation repeals the previous patent legislation, i.e. The Inventions Act, Chapter 72. Previously, Brunei, a member state of ASEAN, did not have a national patent system. Patent protection was obtained by re-registration of a granted UK, European Patent […]
Thailand – Decisions Confirm High Standard For Non-Use
A common fear among trade mark proprietors, particularly those with bigger, wider portfolios is that they might lose their title by not using registered mark. Thai Law does not require use of a Trademark per se to maintain registration, nor does any statement of use certifying that the trade mark has been used need be […]
Philippines – IPOPHL Starts Accepting Copyright Applications
In January 2011, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) whereby IPOPHL and its Satellite Offices have been given the authority to accept the registration and deposit for copyrighted works. The registration process is simple. Only a formal examination of the […]
Thailand Patent Application Through PCT
The Department of Intellectual Property of Thailand opened its doors to PCT applications on December 24 2009. Since then, any PCT application filed on or after 24 December 2009 has automatically included the designation of Thailand. The time limit for entering the national phase in Thailand for new PCT applications is 30 months from the […]