KENFOX IP & Law Office > Our Practice (Page 4)

Trademark Oppositions In Vietnam: What Grounds And How To Effectively Apply?

Download Intellectual property rights (IPR) holders never want their competitors to register a mark closely resembling their own marks. This is to mitigate legal risks, particularly in preventing confusion among consumers and deterring unauthorized trademark use or free riding on their goodwill associated with their mark. To mitigate these risks and safeguard the value of their brands and intellectual property in Vietnam, intellectual property rights holders must clearly understand the legal grounds for exercising the right to ”oppose” a trademark or to provide 'third-party observation”, as outlined in Articles 112 and 112a of the amended 2022 IP Law. What legal grounds justify...

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Protection of Plant Breeder’s rights in Laos: What You Need To Know

Download In Laos, farming (agriculture) is very important for both the people's way of life and the country's economy. Because of this, protecting the rights of people who create new types of plants (i.e., plant breeder's rights) is becoming a very important issue. The Law on Intellectual Property (Amended) No. 38/NA, which came into force on June 8, 2018, marks a significant step forward in recognizing and safeguarding the intellectual efforts of those who bring new plant varieties to life. But what does this mean for the breeders, the agricultural sector, and the biodiversity of Laos? KENFOX IP & Law Office...

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Validating European Patents in Cambodia: 8 Key Points You Need To Know

Download Patent validation, in the context of the European Patent Office (EPO) and its validation agreement with non-member countries like Cambodia, refers to the process by which a European patent application, once granted, can also be recognized and enforced in a non-EPO member state. Validation significantly benefits patent holders by allowing them to extend their patent protection to Cambodia without having to go through the entire patent application process again in the country. This can lead to more efficient and cost-effective IP management for entities operating on a global scale. KENFOX IP & Law Office would like to provide below 8 key...

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Should you abandon a trademark application temporarily refused registration in Vietnam?

Not a few trademark applications in Vietnam, whether directly submitted to the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP VIETNAM) or designated through the Madrid system, are temporarily refused for registration. The situation will be more challenging and daunting in case such a temporarily refused trademark has been commercialized in Vietnam for several years. The temporary refusal of their trademark application raises a critical and complex question: whether to continue the pursuit of registration or to consider abandoning the application?...

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Enforcing Industrial Design Rights in Myanmar

Download  Industrial design rights play a crucial role in safeguarding the unique and creative aspects of a product's appearance. These rights grant creators exclusive control over the visual attributes of their designs, ensuring fair competition and encouraging innovation. This guide outlines the procedures and measures available under Myanmar's Intellectual Property Rights Court to protect and enforce industrial design rights effectively. 1. Seeking Remedies for Infringement of Industrial Design Rights Filing a Suit for Provisional Measures: Design right holders seeking protection against infringement can apply for provisional measures through a civil action in the Intellectual Property Rights Court, as outlined in Sections 67(a) and...

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Invalidation and Cancellation of Registered Industrial Design in Myanmar

Download In Myanmar, the process of invalidation and cancellation of a registered industrial design involves the legal mechanisms through which the rights associated with a registered design can be challenged or revoked. Industrial designs are vital for protecting the aesthetic and ornamental aspects of a product, ensuring creators and innovators can safeguard their unique visual creations. “Invalidation” refers to the procedure through which an interested party seeks to challenge the validity of a registered industrial design. This could be due to various reasons, such as prior existing rights, lack of novelty, or failure to meet the necessary requirements for design registration. The...

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Granting Licenses for Registered Industrial Designs in Myanmar

Download  In Myanmar, granting licenses for registered industrial designs is a strategic approach that allows owners to share their designs with others while safeguarding their rights. This guide provides a step-by-step process for granting licenses and ensuring proper documentation of these arrangements. Step 1: Setting License Terms As the owner of a registered industrial design, you have the authority to grant licenses to individuals or legally established organizations. Before doing so, it's essential to define clear and comprehensive terms and conditions for the use of your industrial design. These terms will outline the scope, duration, royalties, and any other relevant aspects of the...

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How Can We Record Transfer of Registered Industrial Design Rights in Myanmar?

Download In Myanmar, the transfer of registered industrial design rights is a significant process that involves the change of ownership or application status. This guide outlines the steps to request and record the transfer of these rights, ensuring a seamless transition of ownership or application to a new entity. Step 1: Request for Transfer (a) If you are the applicant seeking to transfer the application of an industrial design, you can formally request the Registrar to record the transfer of your application. This request should be made in accordance with the specified guidelines. (b) In case you are the current owner of a registered...

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Understanding Registered Industrial Design Rights in Myanmar

Download Registered industrial design rights in Myanmar provide exclusive protections for innovative designs. As the owner of a registered industrial design, you can enjoy these rights throughout the registration period. By complying with the provisions in this chapter, you secure your design's legal status and gain the following privileges. 1. Exclusive Rights and Civil Actions As the rightful owner, you possess exclusive rights to: (i) Prohibit any commercial production, sale, or import of products without your consent, if they incorporate reproductions of your registered industrial design or designs that substantially replicate its main elements, and (ii) Initiate civil action against parties who infringe...

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Proving Originality Of An Applied-Art Work Or A Logo: Why Is It Challenging and What To Do?

When opposing or requesting the invalidation of a third party's trademark registration on the grounds that the trademark is a copy or contains a copy of a work protected by rights under Article 73.7 of the Intellectual Property Law (IP Law), or requesting administrative handling copyright infringement, you may face a counter-statement that your logo lacks “originality” - one critical requirement to enable your logo to qualify copyright protection. Such claims can include arguments that your logo is composed of common, generic, or widely used elements that do not meet the threshold of originality – it lacks distinctiveness, meaning it...

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