Fast-Tracked Fintech Patent Applications in Singapore

In line with Singapore’s vision to become a Smart Nation, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has launched a FinTech Fast Track (FTFT) initiative, effective from 26 April 2018 for a period of 12 months, in order to expedite the file-to-grant process for FinTech patent applications for as fast as 6 months. Normally, it […]

Updates to Vietnam Patent Regime

New regulations with regard to patent applications in Vietnam came into force on 15th January 2018.  These amended regulations aim to bring the Vietnamese intellectual property system in line with recent developments. Below are three of the main changes based on guidelines laid out in Circular No. 16/2016/TT-BKHCN from the Ministry of Science and Technology, […]

Singapore and China PPH Extension Keeps Up Accelerated and Dynamic Patent Procedure

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO) have extended their joint effort for fast and efficient patent protection through the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program. The extension agreement was signed on September 17, 2017 and will be effective until August 31, 2019. Mr. Daren Tang, Chief Executive […]

Brunei’s Patent Examination System to Increase Efficiency Through Agreement with Japan

On August 28, 2017, the Brunei Intellectual Property Office (BruIPO) signed an agreement to introduce a new patent examination initiative – the Patent Prosecution Highway Plus (PPH+) – with the Japan Patent Office (JPO), which will commence on October 1, 2017. Using this PPH+ system, patent prosecution procedures in Brunei are accelerated by allowing BruIPO […]

Post-Grant Amendments from Method of Treatment to Swiss-Style – The Singapore Position Clarified

Warner-Lambert Company LLC v Novartis (Singapore) Pte Ltd [2017] SGCA 45 Introduction In the landmark case of Warner-Lambert Company LLC v Novartis (Singapore) Pte Ltd [2017] SGCA 45, the Singapore Court of Appeal explored, inter alia, the permissibility of amending method of treatment claims to Swiss-style claims. Significantly, the matter was heard before a 5-Judge […]

Accelerated Examination in Philippines Through PPH Partnership with EPO

In recent years, the European Patent Office (EPO) has partnered with several domestic patent offices in Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programmes, with the aim of speeding up examination processes for corresponding applications filed in participating intellectual property offices. Recently, the EPO has launched new a PPH pilot programme with the patent office of the Philippines […]