COVID-19 ASEAN Update: Indonesia, The Philippines, Vietnam – 15 Apr 2020

Dear friends and colleagues, We would like to provide you the following further update on the COVID-19 situation in ASEAN: Indonesia: The state of emergency first declared by the governor of Jakarta on 20 March 2020 is currently into an extended period until 19 April 2020. The Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) is also continuing its suspension of all …

COVID-19 ASEAN Update: Malaysia – 15 Apr 2020

Dear friends and colleagues, We would like to provide you the following further update on the COVID-19 situation in Malaysia: The nation-wide lockdown of Malaysia has been further extended to 28 April 2020. The Malaysian Intellectual Property Office (MyIPO) and our Kuala Lumpur office remain closed until the end of the lockdown period, which is to be further directed by the government. …

Securing Trade Mark Rights In The Pacific Island Nations

(Written by Ho Jiahui and Foong Yun Yee Bernetta) A. Introduction Whenever the words “Pacific Islands” appear in a conversation, most people would naturally think of the beautiful blue ocean and white sandy beaches of the Maldives or Fiji. To most brand owners however, the idea of securing their trade mark rights in the Pacific Island nations would be novel, …

Business Continuity Update from Ella Cheong – 6 April 2020

Dear friends and colleagues, With the worsening situation in Singapore and Malaysia in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, further steps are being taken. Please note the updates below: Singapore update: With effect from 7 April 2020 till 4 May 2020 (inclusive), subject to any further extension if deemed necessary, all non-essential businesses are required to completely close. Legal services are …

COVID-19 ASEAN Update: Malaysia

Dear friends and colleagues, We would like to provide you the following update on the COVID-19 situation in ASEAN: Malaysia: In an attempt to flatten the COVID-19 curve, the government has announced the extension of the nation-wide lockdown (Movement Control Order (MCO) period) to 14 April 2020. In accordance with this directive, the Malaysian Intellectual Property Office (MyIPO) and our …

COVID-19 ASEAN Update: Indonesia

Dear friends and colleagues, We would like to provide you the following update on the COVID-19 situation in ASEAN: Indonesia: On 20 March 2020, the governor of Jakarta declared a state of emergency in the capital city for the next two weeks, as part of measures to deal with the worsening COVID-19 situation in the country. Aligned with this order, …

COVID-19 ASEAN Update: The Philippines

Dear friends and colleagues, We would like to provide you the following update on the COVID-19 situation in ASEAN: The Philippines: In an effort to curb a widespread COVID-19 outbreak, the government has declared an enhanced community quarantine for Metro Manila from 15 March – 14 April 2020 involving the closure of private business premises. In addition, the Intellectual Property …

Business Continuity Update from Ella Cheong – 18 March 2020

Dear friends and colleagues, Like other regions of the world, ASEAN is facing the issue of an escalating COVID-19 pandemic. Our sincere thoughts go out to you in these trying times.  We earnestly hope for an expeditious easing of this serious global health concern.   Singapore update:  Since early January, Singapore has responded swiftly to the threat with calibrated precautionary …

THE TRADEMARKS ACT 2019
Out with the Old, in with the New

By Zuhairy Fauzy (Ella Cheong IP Services Sdn Bhd) Malaysia’s long-anticipated Trademarks Act 2019 came into force effective 27 December 2019, replacing the old Trade Marks Act 1976. The new Act is a much-needed overhaul and a fresh breath of air for Malaysian trademark practice, and is expected to bring Malaysia’s IP practice into the 21st century and in line with …