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Accelerating Innovation: Brunei Leveraging Global Partners for Faster Patents

Accelerating Innovation: Brunei Leveraging Global Partners for Faster Patents

Accelerating Innovation: Brunei Leveraging Global Partners for Faster Patents back to blog Category:Patent Cooperation Sources: BruIPO & CNIPA Substantive Patent Examination Training 2024 (BruIPO Official) Introduction Brunei Darussalam may be a small market, but its patent strategy is globally connected. In 2024 and 2025, the Brunei Intellectual Property Office (BruIPO) significantly deepened its cooperation with major patent offices, specifically the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the WIPO Singapore Office.   Relying on Foreign Grants Because BruIPO does not have a large team of technical examiners, it relies heavily on “Foreign Route” examination. This means if your patent is already granted in the UK, USA, or under the EPO, you can use that positive result to accelerate your grant in Brunei. The recent workshops in 2024 focused on enhancing the quality of these re-registration processes, making the system faster and more reliable for foreign investors.   Why File in Brunei? With Brunei’s high-income economy diversifying beyond oil and gas, protection for petrochemical technologies, Halal food processing, and green energy is becoming critical. The strengthened cooperation with CNIPA suggests a specific focus on encouraging Chinese technology transfer into the Sultanate. How ASEAN IPR Helps: We don’t just file; we strategize. ASEAN IPR identifies which of your foreign patents (US, EP, or CN) is the best candidate to serve as the “base” for your Brunei application. We handle the submission of the “Request for Examination based on Foreign Results,” ensuring a smooth and cost-effective grant. Other Blogs The End of the UGC Loophole: Indonesia’s Constitutional Court Rules on Content Piracy • December 15, 2025 • indonesia blog The End of the UGC Loophole: Indonesia’s Constitutional Court Rules on Content Piracy back to blog Category:Copyright & Digital Platforms Sources: Indonesia … The Economic Cost of Fakes: Why Indonesia is Getting Tough on IP Violations • December 15, 2025 • indonesia blog The Economic Cost of Fakes: Why Indonesia is Getting Tough on IP Violations back to blog Category:Trademark Opposition Sources: Cases of Intellectual … Vietnam’s 2025 Legal Shift: The “Fast-Track” Era Begins • December 15, 2025 • vietnam blog Vietnam’s 2025 Legal Shift: The “Fast-Track” Era Begins back to blog Category:The New IP Law Sources: Vietnam’s Amended IP Law Changes Requirements … Laos Toughens Up: New IP Law Brings 60-Day Opposition Windows • December 16, 2025 • laos blog Laos Toughens Up: New IP Law Brings 60-Day Opposition Windows back to blog Category:New IP Law 2024/2025 Sources: Laos Issues Updated Law …

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Strict Liability: Understanding IP Enforcement in Brunei

Strict Liability: Understanding IP Enforcement in Brunei

Strict Liability: Understanding IP Enforcement in Brunei back to blog Category:Enforcement & Customs Sources: Brunei IP Guide 2025 (Asia IP) Introduction Brunei is known for its strict adherence to the rule of law, and intellectual property is no exception. The Trade Marks Act (Chapter 98) imposes severe penalties for counterfeiting, including fines of up to B$100,000 (approx. US$77,000) or imprisonment for up to 5 years.   Border Control Powers Unlike some jurisdictions where customs officers are passive, Brunei’s law empowers the Controller of Customs to detain infringing goods upon the written notice of a registered proprietor. This “Notice of Objection” is a powerful tool. Once filed, it effectively closes the border to unauthorized shipments of your branded goods, protecting your local distributors. The “Halal” Brand Factor In Brunei, IP infringement often intersects with religious laws, especially regarding Halal certification marks. Counterfeiting a food product is not just a trademark offense; it can be a violation of the strict Halal strictures, leading to immediate and severe state intervention. How ASEAN IPR Helps: Enforcement in Brunei requires cultural and legal sensitivity. ASEAN IPR drafts the necessary “Notices to Customs” to secure the borders. For food and beverage clients, we also advise on the dual protection of Trademarks and Halal certification logos to ensure comprehensive market security. Other Blogs The Free Ride is Over: Cambodia Enforces Strict Patent Renewal Penalties in 2025 • December 15, 2025 • cambodia blog The Free Ride is Over: Cambodia Enforces Strict Patent Renewal Penalties in 2025 back to blog Category:Patent Renewals Sources: Update to Cambodia’s … Thailand’s New Patent Draft Act: Green Innovation Gets the Fast Lane • December 15, 2025 • Thailand blog Thailand’s New Patent Draft Act: Green Innovation Gets the Fast Lane back to blog Category:Patent Law Reform Sources: Updates on the New … The Design Revolution: How Thailand’s New Grace Period Protects Your Creativity • December 15, 2025 • Thailand blog The Design Revolution: How Thailand’s New Grace Period Protects Your Creativity back to blog Category:Industrial Design Strategy Sources: Thailand’s Draft Industrial Design … Accelerating Innovation: Brunei Leveraging Global Partners for Faster Patents • December 16, 2025 • Brunei Darussalam blog Accelerating Innovation: Brunei Leveraging Global Partners for Faster Patents back to blog Category:Patent Cooperation Sources: BruIPO & CNIPA Substantive Patent Examination Training …

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April 1, 2025: The Day European Patents Became Valid in Laos

April 1, 2025: The Day European Patents Became Valid in Laos

April 1, 2025: The Day European Patents Became Valid in Laos back to blog Category: European Patent Validation Sources: Launch of the European Patent Validation in Laos to Take Effect April 2025 (Lao DIP Official) Introduction In a massive leap for international integration, the Validation Agreement between the European Patent Office (EPO) and Laos officially entered into force on April 1, 2025. This makes Laos the second country in ASEAN (after Cambodia) to allow the direct validation of European patents.   What is “Validation”? Validation means that companies no longer need to undergo a separate, lengthy patent examination in Laos if they already have a grant from the EPO. By paying a validation fee and filing a translation of the claims into Lao, a European patent can be legally recognized in Laos with the same effect as a national patent.   The Strategic Advantage For European tech and pharma giants, this slashes years off the grant timeline. Instead of waiting 3-5 years for a local Lao examiner to review the case, you can secure protection almost immediately after the European grant. This reduces costs and administrative hurdles significantly. How ASEAN IPR Helps: The validation window is strict. ASEAN IPR monitors your European patent grants. The moment your EP patent is published, we prepare the necessary Lao translations and file the validation request within the 3-month deadline, ensuring your protection extends seamlessly into the Mekong region. Other Blogs Vietnam’s 2025 Legal Shift: The “Fast-Track” Era Begins • December 15, 2025 • vietnam blog Vietnam’s 2025 Legal Shift: The “Fast-Track” Era Begins back to blog Category:The New IP Law Sources: Vietnam’s Amended IP Law Changes Requirements … A New Era Begins: Timor-Leste Approves Industrial Property Code in 2025 • December 16, 2025 • Timor leste blog A New Era Begins: Timor-Leste Approves Industrial Property Code in 2025 back to blog Category:The New IP Code Sources: Govt approves Industrial … Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN: What It Means for Your IP Strategy • December 16, 2025 • Timor leste blog Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN: What It Means for Your IP Strategy back to blog Category:ASEAN Accession Sources: East Timor IP Guide 2025 (Asia … The Free Ride is Over: Cambodia Enforces Strict Patent Renewal Penalties in 2025 • December 15, 2025 • cambodia blog The Free Ride is Over: Cambodia Enforces Strict Patent Renewal Penalties in 2025 back to blog Category: Patent Renewals Sources: Update to …

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Laos Toughens Up: New IP Law Brings 60-Day Opposition Windows

Laos Toughens Up: New IP Law Brings 60-Day Opposition Windows

Laos Toughens Up: New IP Law Brings 60-Day Opposition Windows back to blog Category:New IP Law 2024/2025 Sources: Laos Issues Updated Law on Intellectual Property (Tilleke & Gibbins) Introduction The Lao PDR has overhauled its intellectual property framework with the full implementation of the Amended IP Law (No. 50/NA) in 2024 and 2025. The most critical update for brand owners is the formalization of the Trademark Opposition procedure. The 60-Day Rule Under the new law, once a trademark is published in the official gazette, third parties have a fixed 60-day window to file an opposition. Previously, the opposition timeline was vague, often leading to uncertainty. Now, the timeline is strict. If you miss this 60-day window, your only option is a costly cancellation action later (which has a 5-year limit).   Bad Faith & 3D Marks The new law also explicitly recognizes “Bad Faith” as a ground for invalidation and expands the definition of trademarks to include 3D marks and animated images, opening the door for non-traditional branding strategies in Vientiane. How ASEAN IPR Helps: With a strict 60-day clock ticking, you need eyes on the gazette. ASEAN IPR provides a “Lao Trademark Watch” service. We scan every new publication and alert you immediately if a confusingly similar mark appears, drafting and filing the opposition notice before the window closes. Other Blogs A Historic Milestone: Myanmar Officially Opens for Patent Registration • December 15, 2025 • myanmar blog A Historic Milestone: Myanmar Officially Opens for Patent Registration back to blog Category:The New Patent Law Sources: Myanmar Patent Law in effect … Stopping Fakes at the Border: Myanmar’s New Customs Recordation Rules • December 15, 2025 • myanmar blog Stopping Fakes at the Border: Myanmar’s New Customs Recordation Rules back to blog Category:Customs Recordation Sources: Myanmar Sets Customs Recordation Rules (Tilleke … The Wait is Over: Malaysia’s Post-Grant Patent Opposition Goes Live in Late 2025 • December 15, 2025 • malaysia blog The Wait is Over: Malaysia’s Post-Grant Patent Opposition Goes Live in Late 2025 back to blog Category:The New Opposition System Sources: Regional … Google v. Green Radar: A New Precedent for “Distinctiveness” in Singapore • December 15, 2025 • singapore blog Google v. Green Radar: A New Precedent for “Distinctiveness” in Singapore back to blog Category:Trademark Opposition Sources: Google LLC v Green Radar …

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A New Era Begins: Timor-Leste Approves Industrial Property Code in 2025

A New Era Begins: Timor-Leste Approves Industrial Property Code in 2025

A New Era Begins: Timor-Leste Approves Industrial Property Code in 2025 back to blog Category:The New IP Code Sources: Govt approves Industrial Property Code (TATOLI News, Feb 2025) Introduction February 2025 marked a watershed moment for Southeast Asia’s newest nation. The Council of Ministers of Timor-Leste officially approved the draft Industrial Property Code, a critical requirement for its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and full integration into ASEAN.   From “Notice” to “Registration” For decades, brand owners had to rely on “Cautionary Notices” published in newspapers—a “wild west” system with limited legal weight. The new Code will finally establish a formal Intellectual Property Office and a proper registry for trademarks and patents. This transitions the country from a “First-to-Use” (common law) system to a formal “First-to-File” statutory regime.   What You Must Do Now The transition period will be critical. It is expected that existing Cautionary Notices will need to be re-filed as formal applications to maintain priority. Brands that fail to make this jump could lose their rights to squatters who file first under the new system. How ASEAN IPR Helps: The window to convert your “Notice” into a “Registration” will likely be short. ASEAN IPR is monitoring the Dili government’s announcements daily. We are preparing “Re-registration Packages” for our clients to ensure that the moment the new Registry opens its doors, your applications are at the front of the line. Other Blogs Compulsory Licensing & New Grounds for Patent Invalidation in Vietnam • December 15, 2025 • vietnam blog Compulsory Licensing & New Grounds for Patent Invalidation in Vietnam back to blog Category:Patent Strategy Sources: Amendments to Vietnam’s IP Laws to … The End of the UGC Loophole: Indonesia’s Constitutional Court Rules on Content Piracy • December 15, 2025 • indonesia blog The End of the UGC Loophole: Indonesia’s Constitutional Court Rules on Content Piracy back to blog Category:Copyright & Digital Platforms Sources: Indonesia … Vietnam’s 2025 Legal Shift: The “Fast-Track” Era Begins • December 15, 2025 • vietnam blog Vietnam’s 2025 Legal Shift: The “Fast-Track” Era Begins back to blog Category:The New IP Law Sources: Vietnam’s Amended IP Law Changes Requirements … Cambodia’s Digital Leap: Mandatory Online Filings & The “5th Year” Trap • December 15, 2025 • cambodia blog Cambodia’s Digital Leap: Mandatory Online Filings & The “5th Year” Trap back to blog Category:Patent Renewals Sources: IP Protection in Cambodia (Update …

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Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN: What It Means for Your IP Strategy

Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN: What It Means for Your IP Strategy

Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN: What It Means for Your IP Strategy back to blog Category:ASEAN Accession Sources: East Timor IP Guide 2025 (Asia IP) Timor-Leste ASEAN Accession Media Guide (Gov.tl) Introduction On October 26, 2025, Timor-Leste officially became the 11th member of ASEAN. This historic accession is not just diplomatic; it triggers a flood of economic obligations, including the harmonization of intellectual property laws with the rest of the region.   The “ASEAN Way” for IP As an ASEAN member, Timor-Leste is now on the path to joining regional frameworks like the ASEAN Patent Examination Co-operation (ASPEC) and potentially the Madrid Protocol in the coming years. This means the isolated market of Dili is about to become plug-and-play with your broader Southeast Asian strategy. Investment Influx = Infringement Risk With ASEAN membership comes foreign direct investment. As global brands enter Dili, the risk of “bad faith” trademark squatting increases. Squatters often rush to register famous marks in newly opened markets, hoping to sell them back to the rightful owners. How ASEAN IPR Helps: Timor-Leste is the final frontier for your ASEAN portfolio. ASEAN IPR helps you “stake your claim” in this emerging market. We manage the publication of Cautionary Notices now to establish a prior right, deterring squatters before the full legal floodgates open post-accession. Other Blogs Cambodia’s Digital Leap: Mandatory Online Filings & The “5th Year” Trap • December 15, 2025 • cambodia blog Cambodia’s Digital Leap: Mandatory Online Filings & The “5th Year” Trap back to blog Category:Patent Renewals Sources: IP Protection in Cambodia (Update … Strict Liability: Understanding IP Enforcement in Brunei • December 16, 2025 • Brunei Darussalam blog Strict Liability: Understanding IP Enforcement in Brunei back to blog Category:Enforcement & Customs Sources: Brunei IP Guide 2025 (Asia IP) Introduction Brunei … Accelerating Innovation: Brunei Leveraging Global Partners for Faster Patents • December 16, 2025 • Brunei Darussalam blog Accelerating Innovation: Brunei Leveraging Global Partners for Faster Patents back to blog Category:Patent Cooperation Sources: BruIPO & CNIPA Substantive Patent Examination Training … Thailand’s New Patent Draft Act: Green Innovation Gets the Fast Lane • December 15, 2025 • Thailand blog Thailand’s New Patent Draft Act: Green Innovation Gets the Fast Lane back to blog Category:Patent Law Reform Sources: Updates on the New …

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The P41 Billion Milestone: Philippines Smashes Records in Counterfeit Goods Seizure

The P41 Billion Milestone: Philippines Smashes Records in Counterfeit Goods Seizure

The P41 Billion Milestone: Philippines Smashes Records in Counterfeit Goods Seizure back to blog Category: Anti-Counterfeiting Record Sources: NCIPR seizes record P40.99 billion counterfeit goods in 2024 (IPOPHL) Seizures of counterfeit goods hit P41 billion in 2024 (BusinessWorld) Counterfeit haul hits P29.2B in Jan-Nov (Business Inquirer) Introduction The Philippines has become a no-go zone for large-scale counterfeiters. The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), led by the Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHL), has reported stunning enforcement figures that shatter all previous records. By the end of 2024, authorities had confiscated counterfeit goods worth a staggering P40.99 billion, a 52% increase from the year prior. Who is Leading the Charge? This wasn’t a fluke; it was the result of coordinated, aggressive action. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) accounted for the lion’s share of the seizures, hauling in P34.70 billion through high-profile operations in hubs like Binondo and Divisoria. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine National Police (PNP) also contributed significantly with multi-billion peso raids. The Most Counterfeited Items The data reveals a clear trend: apparel and shoes remain the most copied items, accounting for about 40% of the total seizures in early 2025 data. Major global brands like Nike and Louis Vuitton are the most frequently targeted by counterfeiters, highlighting the immense scale of the illicit trade in fashion and lifestyle goods. A Strong Message to Brand Owners IPOPHL Director General Brigitte M. da Costa-Villaluz praised the “proactive work and strategic raid operations” that kept these fakes out of markets and households. This record-breaking performance sends an undeniable message: the Philippine government is a capable and willing partner in the fight against IP theft. How ASEAN IPR Helps: A record year for seizures means a bad year for criminals. ASEAN IPR works directly with the NCIPR agencies. We provide the necessary intelligence to prompt action, from identifying warehouse locations to coordinating with customs for border seizures. If your products are being faked, we ensure they become part of the next record-breaking statistic. Other Blogs Global Design Law Unites: WIPO Treaty Adopted in Riyadh • December 2, 2025 • IPR news Global Design Law Unites: WIPO Treaty Adopted in Riyadh back to blog NOVEMBER 2025 Sources: WIPO Diplomatic Conference on Design Law Treaty … The Billion-Dollar AI Settlement: Anthropic Pays $1.5B to Authors • December 2, 2025 • IPR news The Billion-Dollar AI Settlement: Anthropic Pays $1.5B to Authors back to blog SEPTEMBER 2025 Sources: Intellectual Property in 2025: News round-up (Lawdit … Vietnam’s 2025 Legal Shift: The “Fast-Track” Era Begins • December 15, 2025 • vietnam blog Vietnam’s 2025 Legal Shift: The “Fast-Track” Era Begins back to blog Category:The New IP Law Sources: Vietnam’s Amended IP Law Changes Requirements … Compulsory Licensing & New Grounds for Patent Invalidation in Vietnam • December 15, 2025 • vietnam blog Compulsory Licensing & New Grounds for Patent Invalidation in Vietnam back to blog Category: Patent Strategy Sources: Amendments to Vietnam’s IP Laws …

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Taking Down the Digital Fakes: IPOPHL's New Strategy for Online IP Enforcement

Taking Down the Digital Fakes: IPOPHL’s New Strategy for Online IP Enforcement

Taking Down the Digital Fakes: IPOPHL’s New Strategy for Online IP Enforcement back to blog Category: Online & E-commerce Enforcement Sources: Counterfeit haul hits P29.2B in Jan-Nov (Business Inquirer) Introduction As physical markets face increased pressure from raids, counterfeiters are migrating online. Recognizing this shift, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has launched a multi-pronged strategy to combat piracy in the digital space, focusing on e-commerce platforms and illegal websites. The Power of E-commerce MOUs A key pillar of this strategy is collaboration with major online marketplaces. IPOPHL has fostered enhanced Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with these platforms to streamline notice-and-takedown procedures. This proactive partnership is crucial for quickly removing thousands of infringing listings that appear daily. Site-Blocking in Action Beyond individual listings, IPOPHL is aggressively targeting entire websites dedicated to piracy. As part of its anti-piracy drive, the office works to take down illegal sites hosting pirated content or fake goods. As of November 2025, recent complaints had already led to the takedown of 21 websites, demonstrating that these new powers are being used effectively. The Need for Constant Vigilance While the tools are better than ever, online enforcement is a game of whack-a-mole. Counterfeiters are constantly creating new accounts and new domains. Effective protection requires continuous monitoring and swift action to utilize the takedown mechanisms IPOPHL has put in place. How ASEAN IPR Helps: Your digital storefront needs a digital security guard. ASEAN IPR offers 24/7 online monitoring services. We identify infringing listings on e-commerce platforms and utilize IPOPHL’s established channels to execute rapid takedowns. We also investigate and build cases against standalone pirate websites to get them blocked at the ISP level. Other Blogs Thailand’s New Patent Draft Act: Green Innovation Gets the Fast Lane • December 15, 2025 • Thailand blog Thailand’s New Patent Draft Act: Green Innovation Gets the Fast Lane back to blog Category: Patent Law Reform Sources: Updates on the … Stopping Fakes at the Border: Myanmar’s New Customs Recordation Rules • December 15, 2025 • myanmar blog Stopping Fakes at the Border: Myanmar’s New Customs Recordation Rules back to blog Category: Customs Recordation Sources: Myanmar Sets Customs Recordation Rules … Vietnam’s 2025 Legal Shift: The “Fast-Track” Era Begins • December 15, 2025 • vietnam blog Vietnam’s 2025 Legal Shift: The “Fast-Track” Era Begins back to blog Category:The New IP Law Sources: Vietnam’s Amended IP Law Changes Requirements … Compulsory Licensing & New Grounds for Patent Invalidation in Vietnam • December 15, 2025 • vietnam blog Compulsory Licensing & New Grounds for Patent Invalidation in Vietnam back to blog Category: Patent Strategy Sources: Amendments to Vietnam’s IP Laws …

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Vietnam's 2025 Legal Shift: The "Fast-Track" Era Begins

Vietnam’s 2025 Legal Shift: The “Fast-Track” Era Begins

Vietnam’s 2025 Legal Shift: The “Fast-Track” Era Begins back to blog Category:The New IP Law Sources: Vietnam’s Amended IP Law Changes Requirements for IP Agents (Tilleke & Gibbins) Intellectual Property Law further amended (IPMAX Law Firm) Amendments to Vietnam’s IP Laws (CMS LawNow) Introduction For decades, Vietnam’s intellectual property system was notorious for its backlog. Patent examinations could drag on for years, leaving innovators in limbo. However, following the comprehensive amendments to the IP Law passed in 2022 and fully implemented throughout 2023 and 2024, the landscape in 2025 looks radically different. The “Fast-Track” Revolution The amended IP Law introduced specific provisions to accelerate the examination of patent and trademark applications. This “fast-track” mechanism is not just a policy guideline but is now anchored in the legislation, prioritizing applications that serve key national interests or meet specific readiness criteria. For foreign investors, this means the “time-to-grant” has been slashed, allowing for faster commercialization of products in the Vietnamese market. Stricter Agent Qualifications Another overlooked but critical update in the 2024-2025 period is the tightening of qualifications for IP Agents. The new law requires stricter certification for individuals representing clients, separating “Patent Agents” from “Trademark Agents” to ensure technical competence. This ensures that the professionals handling complex patent drafts are actually qualified to do so, raising the quality of prosecution across the board. Why Speed Matters In a “First-to-File” jurisdiction like Vietnam, speed is everything. The ability to expedite examination means you can enforce your rights sooner—a critical advantage when fighting the counterfeit goods that often flood the market shortly after a product launch. How ASEAN IPR Helps: Qualifying for the fast-track lane requires precise adherence to the new filing protocols. ASEAN IPR ensures your applications meet these rigorous new standards. Furthermore, our local teams in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are fully certified under the new Agent regulations, guaranteeing that your IP is handled by recognized experts, not generalists. Other Blogs The Economic Cost of Fakes: Why Indonesia is Getting Tough on IP Violations • December 15, 2025 • indonesia blog The Economic Cost of Fakes: Why Indonesia is Getting Tough on IP Violations back to blog Category:Trademark Opposition Sources: Cases of Intellectual … Laos Toughens Up: New IP Law Brings 60-Day Opposition Windows • December 16, 2025 • laos blog Laos Toughens Up: New IP Law Brings 60-Day Opposition Windows back to blog Category:New IP Law 2024/2025 Sources: Laos Issues Updated Law … The “SuperApp” Trap: High Court Rules on Using Competitor Trademarks in Apps • December 15, 2025 • malaysia blog The “SuperApp” Trap: High Court Rules on Using Competitor Trademarks in Apps back to blog Category:Trademark Infringement Case Study Sources: High Court … April 1, 2025: The Day European Patents Became Valid in Laos • December 16, 2025 • laos blog April 1, 2025: The Day European Patents Became Valid in Laos back to blog Category:European Patent Validation Sources: Launch of the European …

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Compulsory Licensing & New Grounds for Patent Invalidation in Vietnam

Compulsory Licensing & New Grounds for Patent Invalidation in Vietnam

Compulsory Licensing & New Grounds for Patent Invalidation in Vietnam back to blog Category: Patent Strategy Sources: Amendments to Vietnam’s IP Laws to take effect on 1 Jan 2023 (CMS LawNow) Introduction While Vietnam has made it easier to get a patent, the new laws have also made it easier for competitors to attack one. The recent amendments introduced expanded grounds for invalidating patents, a move that aligns Vietnam with international standards but introduces new risks for patent holders. New Attack Vectors Under the updated law, a patent can now be invalidated if the applicant failed to disclose the origin of genetic resources or traditional knowledge used in the invention. This is a massive shift for biotech and pharmaceutical companies, who must now trace and declare the source of every biological component. Additionally, “Bad Faith” has been codified as a specific ground for opposition and invalidation, targeting squatters who file patents solely to block legitimate innovators. The Threat of Compulsory Licensing Perhaps most critically for the pharmaceutical sector, the new law clarifies the grounds for “Compulsory Licensing.” The government can now force a patent holder to license their invention to meet the needs of importing countries for disease treatment, aligning with international treaties. This creates a complex strategic environment where holding a patent is not an absolute monopoly if public health is at stake. Defending Your Rights Navigating these new invalidation grounds requires a defensive filing strategy. Applications must be “bulletproofed” against claims of insufficient disclosure or bad faith before they are even filed. How ASEAN IPR Helps: We specialize in defensive patent drafting. ASEAN IPR conducts thorough pre-filing audits to ensure all genetic resource disclosures are compliant with the new Vietnamese regulations. If you are facing a bad faith competitor, we utilize these new invalidation grounds to aggressively clear the market of squatters blocking your business. Other Blogs Stopping Fakes at the Border: Myanmar’s New Customs Recordation Rules • December 15, 2025 • myanmar blog Stopping Fakes at the Border: Myanmar’s New Customs Recordation Rules back to blog Category: Customs Recordation Sources: Myanmar Sets Customs Recordation Rules … Strict Liability: Understanding IP Enforcement in Brunei • December 16, 2025 • Brunei Darussalam blog Strict Liability: Understanding IP Enforcement in Brunei back to blog Category:Enforcement & Customs Sources: Brunei IP Guide 2025 (Asia IP) Introduction Brunei … Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN: What It Means for Your IP Strategy • December 16, 2025 • Timor leste blog Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN: What It Means for Your IP Strategy back to blog Category:ASEAN Accession Sources: East Timor IP Guide 2025 (Asia … A New Era Begins: Timor-Leste Approves Industrial Property Code in 2025 • December 16, 2025 • Timor leste blog A New Era Begins: Timor-Leste Approves Industrial Property Code in 2025 back to blog Category:The New IP Code Sources: Govt approves Industrial …

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