Muslims in US are organizing an online petition for International Halal mark. Details can be viewed at http://www.petitiononline.com/halal/
Can Malaysia license its Halal mark worldwide?
Patents, trademarks and copyright are integral parts of intellectual property that form intangible assets in our daily life. IP matters from Malaysia and the world are shared here.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Patent Search Tutorial
Found this informative video to search US patent. It also briefly introduces the format of a patent specification.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Distinguishing Invention and Design
Occasionally, I get questions to explain the difference between invention and design. Both invention and design are used widely to refer new product or new technology. However, from a technical point of view invention and design are two separate concepts. Invention refers to functional aspect of a product while design refers to visual aspect of a product. Invention of a new product or new technology may refer to one of the following criteria:
1. new physical feature.
2. new combination or arrangement of old feature.
3. new use of an old feature.
Shoppers used to hand carry baskets which can carry small amount of goods. Goodman introduced a shopping trolley (or cart), which is a large wire basket with wheels, so that shoppers can buy more goods without being burdened by the weight of the goods. He introduced a new way for people to shop. He introduced a new function for a large basket with wheels. The shopping trolley is an invention.
The shape, configuration, pattern or ornamental aspect of an article is referred as design. Since the shopping trolley has new visual appeal than it is also considered a new design.
1. new physical feature.
2. new combination or arrangement of old feature.
3. new use of an old feature.
Shoppers used to hand carry baskets which can carry small amount of goods. Goodman introduced a shopping trolley (or cart), which is a large wire basket with wheels, so that shoppers can buy more goods without being burdened by the weight of the goods. He introduced a new way for people to shop. He introduced a new function for a large basket with wheels. The shopping trolley is an invention.
The shape, configuration, pattern or ornamental aspect of an article is referred as design. Since the shopping trolley has new visual appeal than it is also considered a new design.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Malaysia's Most Valuable Brands
Local financial institutions lead the Malaysia's Most Valuable Brands conducted by global brand consultancy, Interbrand. Maybank led the pack valued at RM9.6 billion. Public Bank at second place is valued at RM6.9 billion, CIMB at sixth place is valued at RM3.4 billion and Hong Leong at eighth place is valued at RM3.1 billion. Telecommunications institution are also highly valued in the study. Maxis is third valued at RM5.3 billion, Celcom is fifth valued at RM4.1 billion and Digi is tenth at RM2.1 billion. Gaming giant Genting is fourth, valued at RM4.6 billion and entertainment network Astro is seventh, valued at RM3.3 billion. Auto car maker Perodua is valued ninth with RM 2.4 billion, indicating Malaysia's success with Myvi. The valuation involves public disclosed audited accounts, hence privately owned brand is not included in the valuation.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
National IP Day
National IP Day was launched by PM Abdullah on 27 April 2007. He expressed his hope that the patent office will speed up patent granting. "I believe that if the approval process could be simplified, more producers and innovators will be interested to apply for patents. This will enhance research commercialisation and subsequently, the country's innovative capability. Hence, Malaysians will one day be known as technology inventors rather than technology users only," he added.
PM Abdullah also wishes that the private sector make use of local innovations for commercialization. I will like to propose that the patent office set up an open database for prospective industries to view Malaysian patents. The database can serve as a marketing effort to promote Malaysia as a R&D hub. Advanced countries, including Singapore allows their patents to be viewed. I have prepared patent specifications for universities and research organizations. Most of the patents are good innovations. If the patents can be easily accessed than the commercialization effort can be intensified.
PM Abdullah also wishes that the private sector make use of local innovations for commercialization. I will like to propose that the patent office set up an open database for prospective industries to view Malaysian patents. The database can serve as a marketing effort to promote Malaysia as a R&D hub. Advanced countries, including Singapore allows their patents to be viewed. I have prepared patent specifications for universities and research organizations. Most of the patents are good innovations. If the patents can be easily accessed than the commercialization effort can be intensified.
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TBL is neither responsible nor liable for any losses, damages or expenses sustained or incurred by you as a result of any of your acts or omissions made in reliance on any of such contents.
Please contact TBL if you have any queries concerning the contents, including your access to the same.
You agree and acknowledge that Tan Boon Leng (TBL) is not obliged to do so and cannot be held responsible or liable for the same. You must conduct your own research and seek the advice of the relevant professionals before relying on the same. You will also be responsible and liable for all losses, damages or expenses sustained (whether to you or any other third party, including TBL) if you fail or neglect in doing so.
TBL is neither responsible nor liable for any losses, damages or expenses sustained or incurred by you as a result of any of your acts or omissions made in reliance on any of such contents.
Please contact TBL if you have any queries concerning the contents, including your access to the same.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Selecting Patent Agents or Patent Lawyers in Malaysia
According to WIPO Handbook, patent agents are usually professionals trained in the field of science and technology to prepare patent specifications. Patent specifications define the scope of the invention. It is a legal document as comprehensive as a sales and purchase agreement when you buy a house. However, when the Patent Act is introduced, Malaysia has very few persons trained as a patent agent. Lawyers were engaged as patent agents and the practice is continued until today. Patent agents need to pass a patent agent examination set by MYIPO.
The early batch of scientist trained were chemist. A chemist is desirable to prepare specification for any field of technology due to its versatile background. Now, most of the genuine patent agents have at least a chemist to prepare patent specification. However, with the robust advancement of technology, professionals from other science background is needed to prepare specification. Consider the field of your invention. Who do you think is more suitable to prepare your invention? A physicist, chemist, biologist or lawyer?
Patent lawyer refers to a person who can represent clients in court. They have passed the Malaysia bar exam. They are multi-purpose lawyer who practice in various field of law or specialised in IP. Usually lawyers who choose to specialise in IP take the Malaysia Patent Agent examination.
The early batch of scientist trained were chemist. A chemist is desirable to prepare specification for any field of technology due to its versatile background. Now, most of the genuine patent agents have at least a chemist to prepare patent specification. However, with the robust advancement of technology, professionals from other science background is needed to prepare specification. Consider the field of your invention. Who do you think is more suitable to prepare your invention? A physicist, chemist, biologist or lawyer?
Patent lawyer refers to a person who can represent clients in court. They have passed the Malaysia bar exam. They are multi-purpose lawyer who practice in various field of law or specialised in IP. Usually lawyers who choose to specialise in IP take the Malaysia Patent Agent examination.
MIMOS wins Frost & Sullivan Growth Excellence Award
MIMOS, Malaysia's research institution wins Frost & Sullivan Growth Award for advancement in precision agriculture. MIMOS is actively engaged in applying MEMS sensor technology in monitoring crops quality and the processing of raw materials. The research is jointly conducted with UPM. Datuk Abdul Wahab, CEO of MIMOS, says advancement in MEMS allows sensor and wireless technology to be incorporated in crops to monitor the health of crops. For details visit www.mimos.my
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