The situation of franchising boba tea brand Mixue in Vietnam from Taiwan and its consequences
As of late 2023, Mixue, a well-known brand for ice cream and bubble tea has become the center of attention and controversy. During the previous months, a significant number of franchisees of Mixue in Hanoi, Vietnam, protested openly at the company’s headquarters on Trieu Khuc Street (Hanoi) against the new pricing policy implemented by the parent company in China – the franchisor in this franchise agreement. According to the new policy implemented by Mixue China for its franchisees in Vietnam, [...]
Recent Amendment to Indonesia’s Intellectual Property E-Filing System
As part of its continuous efforts to improve Indonesia’s intellectual property e-filing system, the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) has consistently introduced updates to the online platform. Over the past months, several notable changes have been implemented, impacting the filing processes for designs, patents, and trademarks. Designs Changes in file format and view limitations have been instituted. Design drawings must now be submitted in JPG format, with only one view permitted per page. Refund requests are no longer an option once [...]
Malaysia: MyIPO Collaborates with TikTok to Promote Intellectual Property Awareness
The Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) has joined forces with the short-form mobile video platform TikTok to maintain adherence to intellectual property laws in Malaysia. In a shared statement, MyIPO and TikTok announced their partnership, which aims to align TikTok’s platform policies and intellectual property enforcement with Malaysian laws. The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). A key aspect of the MoU involves the initiation of training programs and the dissemination of knowledge on intellectual [...]
CNIPA Releases Draft Regulations for the Protection of Geographical Indication Products
On September 18, 2023, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) issued the Regulations on the Protection of Geographical Indication Products, opening a period for public comments until November 2, 2023. The existing framework for protecting GI products in China includes the Provisions on the Protection of Geographical Indications Products (July 15, 2005) and the Measures on the Protection of Foreign Geographical Indications Products (March 28, 2016, amended on November 28, 2019). While these provisions apply to all GI products, [...]
China’s SPC issued semi-annual statistics on intellectual property judicial trials in 2023
The Supreme People’s Court of China (SPC) published semi-annual statistics on the judicial trials carried out by courts at all levels in 2023 on its website on August 7, 2023. This article examines notable intellectual property cases. Civil IP cases involving technology In the first half of 2023, a total of 12,000 technology-related IP civil cases were newly docketed at the first instance across the country, representing a 33.4% year-on-year increase. Among these cases, 9,916 cases were resolved, an increase of [...]
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released the amended Provisions on Prohibiting the Abuse of Intellectual Property Rights to Exclude or Restrict Competition
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) unveiled the revised Provisions on Prohibiting the Abuse of Intellectual Property Rights to Exclude or Restrict Competition. These amendments, aligned with the Anti-Monopoly Law, became effective on August 1, 2023. SAMR emphasized that anti-monopoly measures and intellectual property (IP) protection serve the common goal of promoting competition, innovation, economic growth, and safeguarding consumer and public interests. In today’s legal market, IP rights could be misused to curb competition. Competitors might use IP rights to [...]
Malaysia reviews intellectual property policy to adapt technology transfer offices (TTOs)
To enhance Malaysia’s national commercialization ecosystem and promote technological ownership, adoption, and transfer, the country is set to review its intellectual property (IP) policy. As per the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for 2021 to 2025, IP assets will be evaluated for financing, aiming to stimulate commercialization and innovation initiatives. Government research institutes and higher education institutions will leverage technology transfer offices (TTOs) to bolster their research and commercialization capabilities, enabling them to extract maximum value from [...]
Myanmar issues new Industrial Designs Rules
On September 29, 2023, Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) introduced the Industrial Designs Rules (Rules) through Notification 67/2023, outlining detailed procedures for filing and registering industrial designs with Myanmar’s Intellectual Property Department (IPD). These rules complement the provisions of the Industrial Design Law enacted in 2019. The Rules consist of 20 chapters and 92 rules, covering various aspects such as filing forms, appointment of representatives, examination, opposition, assignment, licensing, and registration procedures. However, the official forms and prescribed fees have [...]
