Sunday, March 3, 2024

Why Air Asia Wants to List Its Brand in Nasdaq

Air Asia, the low-cost airline based in Malaysia, has announced its intention to list its brand in Nasdaq, the US stock exchange that hosts many technology companies. The move is part of the company's strategy to monetize its intellectual property (IP) assets and diversify its revenue streams.


According to Air Asia, its brand is valued at US$1.15 billion. The company has a separate entity, called Capital A International, that will own and manage the brand and other IP assets. Capital A International will then seek a listing in Nasdaq through SPAC merger, while the airline business will remain listed in Malaysia under the name of Capital A Berhad.

But why would Air Asia want to list its brand in Nasdaq? What are the benefits and challenges of such a move? Here are some possible reasons:

- To access a larger and more diverse pool of investors. Nasdaq is one of the largest and most liquid stock markets in the world, with a market capitalization of over US$20 trillion. By listing its brand in Nasdaq, Air Asia can tap into a wider and more sophisticated investor base that values innovation and growth. This could help the company raise more capital and increase its valuation.

- To unlock the value of its IP assets. By creating a separate entity for its IP assets and listing it in Nasdaq, Air Asia can unlock the value of its intangible assets and generate more revenue from licensing, franchising, and partnerships. This could also create a positive spillover effect for its airline business, as it can benefit from the increased brand awareness and reputation.

In conclusion, listing its brand in Nasdaq is a bold and ambitious move by Air Asia to monetize its IP assets. The move could bring many benefits for the company, such as access to more capital and investors, and unlocking of the value of its IP assets.

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Dana IP 2.0 bagi 2024 telah Buka untuk Pemfailan Harta Intelek

Dana IP 2.0 bagi 2024 telah buka untuk permohonan harta intelek. Dana IP 2.0 adalah inisiatif yang dilancarkan oleh Perbadanan Harta Intelek Malaysia (MyIPO) untuk membantu usahawan dan penemu dalam memfailkan permohonan harta intelek (IP) di Malaysia dan luar negara. Dana IP 2.0 menawarkan bantuan kewangan bagi setiap permohonan IP yang layak, termasuk cap dagangan, paten, reka bentuk perindustrian dan hak cipta. Tujuan dana ini adalah untuk menggalakkan inovasi dan kreativiti di kalangan rakyat Malaysia, serta meningkatkan kesedaran dan penghargaan terhadap nilai IP.


Dana IP 2.0 mempunyai beberapa syarat kelayakan yang perlu dipenuhi oleh pemohon, antara lain:

- Pemohon mestilah warganegara Malaysia atau syarikat SME yang berdaftar di Malaysia.

- Pemohon mestilah mempunyai idea atau produk yang baru, asli dan berpotensi komersial.

Pemohon yang berminat boleh mengemukakan permohonan secara dalam talian melalui portal MyIPO di https://www.myipo.gov.my/en/dana-pemfailan-harta-intelek-dana-ip-2-en/ atau menghubungi talian khidmat pelanggan MyIPO di 03-2299 8400 untuk maklumat lanjut.

Dana IP 2.0 adalah peluang yang baik untuk usahawan dan penemu yang ingin melindungi hak mereka terhadap idea atau produk mereka, serta meningkatkan daya saing dan kebolehjalan mereka di pasaran tempatan dan antarabangsa. 

Boon IP merupakan sebuah syarikat yang menyediakan perkhidmatan pengurusan paten untuk pelbagai jenis projek inovasi. Syarikat ini telah berjaya membantu banyak pihak, termasuk institusi pendidikan, syarikat swasta dan individu, untuk mendapatkan pembiayaan dan perlindungan undang-undang bagi hasil kerja mereka. Antara contoh kejayaan Boon IP yang dapat kelulusan paten melalui Dana IP ialah: 

- Paten MY187491A Kolej Vokasional Slim River 'Lock Reminder for Motorcycle Steering'

- Paten MY187619A Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara Kuala Perlis 'An Apparatus for Holding Impact Wrench' 

- Paten MY197556A Institut Kemahiran Tinggi Belia Negara Temerloh 'Tool for Removal and Installation of Valve Pin'

- Paten MY185349A Noor Arjuna 'Device for Gripping and Storing Miswak Sticks'

Boon IP telah memberikan nasihat dan bantuan profesional dalam proses permohonan dan pendaftaran paten, tanpa mengenakan sebarang bayaran tambahan. Oleh itu, jangan lepaskan peluang ini dan mohon sekarang!

Monday, January 22, 2024

MyIPO Launches IPR Marketplace 2.0 Portal

On January 18, 2024, the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) launched the IPR Marketplace 2.0 portal, a platform that connects intellectual property (IP) owners, buyers, investors and service providers. The portal aims to facilitate the commercialization and valuation of IP assets in Malaysia and beyond.



Screenshot of IPR Marketplace 2.0 Portal (iprmarketplace.myipo.gov.my)


MyIPO charman, Dr Mohd Zuhan hopes that this platform will encourage collaboration between local entrepreneurs and potential parties in the global market. 

The IPR Marketplace 2.0 portal offers various features and benefits for its users, such as:

- A searchable database of IP assets for sale, licensing or investment opportunities

- A directory of IP valuers

- A dashboard that allows users to manage their IP portfolio and transactions

The portal also provides access to various resources and tools, such as:

- A guide on how to use the portal and its features

- A blog that shares news, updates and insights on IP-related topics

The IPR Marketplace 2.0 portal is open to anyone who is interested in IP, whether they are IP owners, buyers, investors or service providers. Users can register for free and start browsing, listing or contacting other users on the portal.


Screenshot of IP Valuer, Dennis Tan

As one of the IP valuers listed on the portal, I am excited to be part of this initiative and to offer my expertise and services to the IP community. I believe that the portal will help to create a vibrant and dynamic IP market in Malaysia and beyond, and to unlock the potential value of IP assets for the benefit of the economy and society.

If you are interested in learning more about the IPR Marketplace 2.0 portal or want to register as a user, please visit iprmarketplace.myipo.gov.my. You may also engage us by visiting www.boon.com.my.

Monday, September 4, 2023

How Malaysia Plans to Achieve High-Tech Industrialization by 2030

Malaysia is a developing country that aims to become a high-tech industrialized nation by 2030. To achieve this goal, the government has launched the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, which outlines the strategies and actions to transform the country's industrial sector. 

The NIMP 2030 is different from the previous industrial master plans, as it adopts a mission-based approach that focuses on four key areas: advancing economic complexity, teching up for a digitally vibrant nation, pushing for net zero, and safeguarding economic security and inclusivity. 

Here are some of the highlights of the NIMP 2030 and what they mean for Malaysia's industrial development. 

Enhancing Economic Complexity

Economic complexity refers to the diversity and sophistication of a country's productive capabilities and exports. A higher economic complexity indicates a higher level of knowledge, technology and innovation in the economy.

The NIMP 2030 aims to increase Malaysia's economic complexity index (ECI) from 1.07 in 2021 to 1.5 by 2030, to be on par with developed countries.

To do this, Malaysia has identified several potential clusters that can be developed, such as electrical and electronics, machinery and equipment, aerospace, medical devices, renewable energy, biotechnology, halal products, and creative industries. 



Another key strategy is to increase the research expenditure to 3.5% of GDP by 2030, which would boost the innovation capacity and competitiveness of the industries. The plan also aims to strengthen the linkages between universities, industry and government to foster collaborative research and development.

One of the enablers for research and innovation is intellectual property (IP), which protects and rewards the creators of new knowledge and technology. The NIMP 2030 recognizes the importance of IP for industrial development and aims to improve the IP system in Malaysia.

Some of the initiatives include digitizing and accelerating IP applications; facilitating IP commercialization and monetization; and strengthening IP enforcement and protection.

Building SME's Capacity

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Malaysia's economy, accounting for 98.5% of business establishments, 38.9% of GDP, 48.4% of employment and 17.9% of exports in 2021.

The NIMP 2030 aims to enhance SMEs' capacity and resilience by helping them to upgrade their products, processes and business models; diversity their markets and customer segments; increase their productivity and efficiency; improve their quality and standards; adopt digitalization and automation; and integrate into regional and global value chains.

Some of the initiatives include providing technical assistance and advisory services; facilitating access to technology platforms and solutions; offering training and upskilling programs; and supporting branding and marketing activities.

Embracing ESG Principles

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles are a set of criteria that measure a company's performance on sustainability issues such as environmental protection, social responsibility, human rights, diversity, ethics and corporate governance. 

The NIMP 2030 aims to embrace ESG principles as a core value of Malaysia's industrial development by promoting green growth, social inclusion and good governance across all sectors and industries.


Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry

Some of the initiatives include implementing low-carbon policies and measures; encouraging renewable energy generation and consumption; reducing waste generation and increasing recycling rates; enhancing environmental management and compliance; ensuring fair labour practices and decent work conditions; supporting social enterprises and community development; improving corporate transparency and accountability; combating corruption and fraud; and strengthening stakeholder engagement and participation.

Conclusion

The NIMP 2030 is a comprehensive and ambitious plan that aims to transform Malaysia's industrial sector into a high-tech, high-value and high-impact engine of growth for the country. By enhancing economic complexity, creating supportive ecosystems, building SME's capacity and embracing ESG principles, the plan hopes to achieve Malaysia's vision of becoming a high-tech industrialized nation by 2030.

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Klang Bak Kut Teh is Recognized as a Geographical Indication

Klang bak kut teh is a soup-based dish that has been recognized as a geographical indication (GI) by Perbadanan Harta Intelek Malaysia (MyIPO), an agency under the Ministry of Domestic Trade  and Costs of Living (KPDN). This means that Klang bak kut teh has a special connection to Klang city, where it originated and developed its distinctive flavour and reputation.

But what is geographical indication?

According to MyIPO, a geographical indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and a reputation that are due to that origin. For example, Darjeeling tea is a geographical indication for tea grown in the Darjeeling region of India, which has a unique aroma and taste. Similarly, Yantai apple is a geographical indication for apples grown in the Yantai region of China, which are known for their crispness and sweetness. Other examples of geographical indications are Gruyere cheese from Switzerland, asam pedas Melaka and Sarawak pepper.

Klang bak kut teh is the first geographical indication that originates from Selangor to be recognized by MyIPO. This is a great achievement for the local bak kut teh industry and culture, as it showcases the rich heritage and diversity of Malaysian cuisine. The geographical indication was initiated by the Klang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCCI). 

Henry Golding said that his choice of Malaysia food for diplomacy is bak kut teh and he emphasized the Klang version. "Klang's has broth that's been brewing for generations [...] If it stops boiling, it'll grow this thickness of fur and bacteria. But, it's delicious!"

In Hokkien, bak kut teh means meat-bone tea. There are many bak kut teh sellers in the market. The original bak kut teh is served in a bowl without chilis, youtiao or vegetables. These are considered accompaniments in modern bak kut teh. Even soup refills are not provided by original bak kut teh sellers.


@dennisboonlengtan Klang bak kut teh recognized as a geographical indication. #klang #bakkutteh #geographicalindication ♬ Gong Xi Fa Cai - Lux-Inspira

Modern bak kut teh sellers are serving the dish with chilli padi, mushrooms and tofu pok. Specialty bak but teh sellers can be found in most Malaysia cities. Teluk Pulai, the introducer of claypot and soup refillls is probably the most common version available. Three bak kut teh sellers are recognized in the Michelin Guide. 

Bak kut teh is recognized as a noun in Oxford English Dictionary. Other Malaysian English terms recognized are bak kwa, char kway teow, chicken rice, kopitiam, laksa, mamak, sotong and teh tarik.

Monday, November 14, 2022

Budapest Treaty on the Deposit of Microorganisms

 I attended the MyIPO webinar on Budapest Treaty on the Deposit of Microorganisms for the purposes of Patent Procedure on 8 November 2022. I would like to share eight points I learnt from the webinar.

1. Why Budapest Treaty?
​Patents need to disclose how the invention works. There is some difficulty in explaining inventions involving microorganisms that are not publicly available. ​Hence, microorganisms deposited at international depositary authorities (IDAs) are recognized for fulfilling disclosure requirements.

2. What is the Budapest Treaty?


All states party to the Treaty are obliged to accept microorganisms deposited at any IDA as being valid for national patent procedure.

3. What is the benefit of the Budapest Treaty?
Deposit in one IDA is recognised by all states party to the Treaty. Applicants do not need to make a new deposit in each state in which patent protection is sought. Hence, it saves applicants money.

4. Who is IDA?
At the moment there are 48 recognised IDAs. The list of IDAs are available at WIPO. There are two in Australia, three in India, six in the UK and three in the USA. Each IDA provides a list of acceptable biological material and sets its own fee. No IDA is available in Malaysia or ASEAN.

5. Who can deposit at IDA?
Researchers on behalf of applicants can submit the deposit with IDA. An agent is not needed.

6. Any plan for NDA?


Any Malaysia organizations can apply to be a National Depositary Authority (NDA). The organization would need to fulfill several conditions such as storage requirement.

7. How to specify a deposit in a patent application?
After a deposit is made, the IDA and accession number is specified in the patent application. Hence, a patent application is prepared at the same time of the deposit.

8. Who can access deposited microorganisms?
The public would not be able to access the deposited microorganism. The public would need to appoint a competent and neutral person to access the deposited microorganism. 

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

List of IPs in MySejahtera - What We Learn

On 31 March 2022, Khairy Jamaluddin said that the Ministry of Health (MOH) owns the personal data, the app, the module, intellectual property, source code and trademark. "The data is secure, it's hosted on a server in Malaysia, and it's owned by MOH. Whatever happens in terms of (the) court dispute between two companies, that's nothing to do with us," reported Khairy. On 5 April 2022, the health minister stressed that MOH owns the data, the app's module and brand.

In the Apple Store and Google Play, MySejahtera is listed as an application developed by the Government of Malaysia to assist in managing Covid-19 outbreak in the country. There are 53 and 57 applications listed by the developer called the Government of Malaysia in the Apple Store and Google Play, respectively.

MySejahtera is owned by the Government of Malaysia in Google Play

As a MySejahtera user and an IP expert, allow me to share my insights on the IPs in MySejahtera as CSR.

MySejahtera is a computer program. It is written by programmers in source code. Instructions are written in source code on what the programmer intends the program to perform. Programs are usually in a computer language such as C or Java. The source code is then compiled into object code that acts as instructions to be carried out by the computer. Object code are computer codes in binary numbers - in a series of 1s and 0s.

Programmers usually hide source codes that are proprietary. The program that we download and execute are in object code. Microsoft software, Apple software and Adobe software are usually proprietary. Source code which are not proprietary are known as open source code. Unix software, Chrome software and Android software are open source. I'm not going to discuss further the difference of proprietary and open source code.

MySejahtera gathers and stores data. The personal data includes name, IC number, contact number, vaccination record, infection record and venue check in. There are 38 million registered users of MySejahtera. 

Source code and object code are computer program in a computer language. Computer program are recognised as literary work in the Copyright Act 1987. The programmers that wrote the source code is considered as the author of MySejahtera. Authors have moral right over their literary work.

On the other hand, works which are eligible for copyright made under the direction of the Government shall vest in the Government. There is no dispute that MySejahera was developed under the direction of the Government. 

List of Programs owned by the Government of Malaysia in App Store


Public data was entered by users under the instruction of the Government. Database is protected by copyright. Hence, I agree with Khairy that the Government owns the codes and database of MySejahtera.

I guess there are two questions that MOH need to address. 

First, the use of the database. There is an ongoing concern that this information can be abused. Lowyat reported several incidences of personal data for sale. Personal data is a form of intangible data that can be easily replicated for a number of uses. Hence, it is extremely valuable. I suggest MOH to make it a crime over unauthorized use of MySejahtera database. Whistle blowers who report such abuse shall be rewarded and protected. This can ease public concern over the abuse of data.

Second, who shall maintain MySejahtera? I'm not sure that MOH knows how to handle the source codes. MOH would need a reliable vendor to maintain MySejahtera. The first choice would be the original programmers who have authored the source code, I personally recognise that IP should provide an advantage in public procurement. The government should recognize IP in order for the nation to generate more IP. The value of procurement is another matter that can be determined in fair valuation method. I believe that MOH and the vendor can agree over a common software as a service value.

These are my views based on news report which are not intended as legal advice. I wish MOH well in owning and managing MySejahtera. I would continue my daily use of MySejahtera for check ins.