tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63144556559018557662024-03-08T16:57:56.135+08:00Intellectual Property AsiaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-38497517396867306482013-04-10T15:22:00.002+08:002013-04-10T15:26:07.612+08:00Prior User Rights Under Indonesian Patent Act<u><b>Question: Please advice on the criteria to benefit a prior user right based on Article 13 and Article 15 of Indonesian Patent Act</b></u><br />
<br />
<u><b>Article 13</b></u><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>With regards to the other provisions under this law, a party using an invention at the time an identical invention is applied for patent shall remain entitled to use such invention as the prior user, even though such identical invention is subsequently granted a patent.</li>
<li>The provisions in paragraph 1 shall also prevail for patent applications filed with priority rights.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<u><b>Article 15</b></u><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>The party using an invention as referred to in Article 13 may be acknowledged as the prior user, if he submits a patent application therefore to the Directorate General after a patent has been granted on the identical invention aforesaid.</li>
<li>Request for acknowledgment as a prior user must be accompanied with evidence that such invention has not been made by using descriptions, drawings, samples or other information of the invention for which a patent has been requested.</li>
<li>Acknowledgment as the prior user shall be given by the Directorate General in the form of a prior user certificate upon payment of a fee therefore.</li>
<li>A prior user certificate shall expire at the time patent of identical invention expires.</li>
<li>The procedure for obtaining the acknowledgment as a prior user shall be regulated by a Government Regulation.</li>
</ol>
<br />
The issues under Indonesian Patent Law, assuming there is a legitimate Prior User ‘A’ rights are:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>to be able to continue such prior use of such invention even if the patentee ‘B’ is granted a patent in Indonesia even if the priority date is earlier (even if ‘B’ has filed anywhere else in the world before this prior use date. Referred to in Article 13).</li>
<li>‘A’ has no rights to claim prior use if ‘A’ has used knowledge derived solely from ‘B’s patent published or disclosed anywhere in the world (Referred to in Article 14)</li>
<li>‘A’ must submit a patent application to the Director of Patents in Indonesia after ‘B’ patent has been issued.</li>
</ol>
Only then the Prior User rights will accrue to ‘A’ with evidence of Indonesian novelty by ‘A’ that he is a genuine inventor (Referred to in Article 15).<br />
<br />
Prior user rights in Indonesia allow non-patentees to continue using their inventions in the same right as they had been before a patent on that same idea issued to ‘B’ and it shall expire at the same time as the expiry of ‘B’ Patent.<br />
<br />
Article 13 (1) further implies that ‘A’s prior use is meant to give protection to ‘A’ with good faith but ‘A’ did not make an Application for patent.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>under the current Patent Law, the procedure for ‘A’ to obtain the recognition as a prior user is yet to be regulated by Law. The Patent Office is unable to give such recognition and will probably leave it pending until the issuance of said Regulation. Meanwhile, it is questionable if 'A' can continue with 'A's prior use while 'A's application is still pending.</li>
<li>based on the information from the Registry, the request for obtaining the certificate as prior user is rarely filed due to the above reason, in addition to the administrative reason that such request shall be furnished with the evidence that the exploitation of said invention was not performed using any information on the invention for which a patent has been requested. </li>
<li>the prior use claimed by ‘A’ must be only in Indonesia and if ‘A’ has prior use in India (for example) than this is not considered prior use. </li>
<li>"A" cannot license the prior user rights unlike 'B' who’s granted patent can be licensed to multiple parties non-exclusively.</li>
</ol>
For more information, contact us at: <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com">malaysia@mirandah.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-60561453750134894822013-03-05T18:51:00.000+08:002013-03-05T18:57:38.501+08:00Publication Law in Malaysia<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Question: Please Advice on Publication of a Patent in Malaysia.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For an application filed directly into Malaysia, claiming priority under the <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/pressroom/articles-list/item/155-trademarks-in-malaysia-%E2%80%93-the-position-of-well-known-marks.html" target="_blank">Paris Convention</a> of an earlier filed non Malaysian patent application, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> a)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Does the Malaysian Patent Office publish this new application at 18 months from priority?</span><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></b> <b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Answer: i) In Malaysia, a patent will be published in the Government Gazette only upon grant of </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">the patent.</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">ii) Upon eighteen (18) months from the priority date or filing date of a patent application, the Registrar shall make available for <u>public inspection</u> the following as provided in Section 34 of the </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Malaysian Patents Act 1983 upon payment of the prescribed fee:</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><b><i><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10.0pt;">Section 34: Public inspection <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 85.5pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10.0pt;">(1)The Registrar shall make available for public inspection after eighteen months from the priority date or filing date of a patent application and upon payment of the prescribed fee — <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="Default" style="margin-left: 108.0pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10.0pt;">(a) the name, address and description of the applicant and the name and address of his agent, if any; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="Default" style="margin-left: 108.0pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10.0pt;">(b) the application number; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="Default" style="margin-left: 108.0pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10.0pt;">(c) the filing date of the application and, if priority is claimed, the priority date, the number of the earlier application and the name of the State in which the earlier application was filed or where the earlier application is a regional or an international application, the name of the country or countries for which and the office at which it was filed; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="Default" style="margin-left: 108.0pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10.0pt;">(d) the particulars of the application including the description, claim or claims, drawing or drawings, if any, and the abstract and any amendments to the application, if any; and <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="Default" style="margin-left: 108.0pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10.0pt;">(e) any change in ownership of the application and any reference to a license contract appearing in the file relating to the application. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 85.5pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10.0pt;">(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) a patent application shall not be made available for public inspection if — <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(a) the patent application is withdrawn or refused or deemed to be withdrawn or refused before the expiry of the period of eighteen months from the priority date or filing date of the patent application; or <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(b) it appears to the Registrar that the application contains information which contravenes public order or morality.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> b)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">If so, does the PTO issue a unique publication number or does the PTO publish the application </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">under the original Malaysian application number?</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></b> <b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Answer: The Publication Number is the Grant Number.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 31.5pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For an <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/malaysia/patent-system-in-malaysia.html" target="_blank">application filed into Malaysia</a> via the PCT, claiming priority under the Paris Convention of an earlier filed non- Malaysian patent application, does the Malaysian Patent Office republish this application in Malaysia or is the WO publication used in place of a new publication in Malaysia? If the Patent Office republishes the application after entry into the national stage, what number is used for this new publication?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Answer: See answer 1a (i) above- In Malaysia, a patent will be published in the Government Gazette only upon grant of the patent.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Is there a public database where we can search for Malaysian patent and application data? If so, could you please provide the link?<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Answer: The following link is the public database provided by MyIPO to search for Malaysian pending applications (after 18 months from the priority date) and all granted patents.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://iponline.myipo.gov.my/ipo/main/search.cfm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">https://iponline.myipo.gov.my/ipo/main/search.cfm</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">For more information, contact us at: </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com">malaysia@mirandah.com</a></span></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-574059951019870522013-02-19T09:35:00.001+08:002013-02-19T10:31:50.767+08:00Trademark Order for Costs<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><strong>Question:</strong><u> <o:p></o:p></u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">X had opposed a Malaysian trade mark application, filed by a Malaysian Organisation. X’s opposition was unsuccessful and an order for costs was made by the Assistant Registrar at the Malaysian Trade Marks Registry against X.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Please advice whether the award for costs is enforceable against X (which is a Multinational Corporation domiciled outside Malaysia) and if so, the possible risks if X does not pay the order for costs.</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Answer:</strong></span></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/enforcement-action.html" target="_blank">Enforcement</a></span></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Registrar has powers under Section 63(2) of the Malaysian Trade Marks Act 1976 to award to any party such costs as he may consider reasonable <u>and to direct how</u> and by what parties <u>they are to be paid</u>, and any such order may, <b><u>by leave of the Court</u></b>, be <b><u>enforced in the same manner as a judgment or order of the Court to the same effect</u></b>. “Court” in the current context shall mean the High Court of Malaysia.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In summary, the Registrar’s award for cost can be enforced in the MNC’s domicile country having Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments which lists Malaysia as a reciprocating country.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;">In the event of default of payment, the other party may opt to reclaim such costs awarded by the Registrar in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due by the person against whom the costs were accorded to the person in whose</span><span lang="EN-TT" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-TT;"> favour</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"> they were accorded (Section 75(3) of the Malaysian Trade Marks Act 1976).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Likelihood of Enforcement<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In general, the award of cost in an opposition proceeding is calculated based on the schedule as listed in the Malaysian Trade Marks Manual & Practice (See attached). The anticipated award of cost to be awarded to the other party, in our opinion would be within the region of <span class="st1">£</span>300 to <span class="st1">£350.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is our view that given the procedural, practicability and cost implications, it is likely that the other party awarded costs may not pursue the matter further since the cost of recovery is likely to exceed the costs awarded. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sequestration of Assets like IP Rights:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We advise that it is possible to sequestrate X’s IP rights that exists in Malaysia.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please find below schedule of costs in inter partes proceedings.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">APPENDIX 3 – AWARD OF COSTS IN INTER PARTES PROCEEDINGS<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In exercising the discretion conferred by section 63(2) of the Act in respect of any costs assessed after the date of this note the registrar will, as a general rule, be guided by the following scale:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 413px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 10569; mso-width-source: userset; width: 217pt;" width="289"></col> <col style="mso-width-alt: 1060; mso-width-source: userset; width: 22pt;" width="29"></col> <col style="mso-width-alt: 3474; mso-width-source: userset; width: 71pt;" width="95"></col> <tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td class="xl66" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ITEM</span></strong></span></div>
</td><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
</td><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">M$</span></strong></span></div>
</td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl65" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl65" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="35" style="height: 26.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" height="35" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 26.25pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filing notice of opposition or application for </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> rectification</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">200<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">+ statutory fee</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perusing counterstatement:</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl69" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">50</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OR</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="35" style="height: 26.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" height="35" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 26.25pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perusing notice of opposition or application </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rectification:</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl69" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">50</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="35" style="height: 26.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" height="35" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 26.25pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filing counterstatement:</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">200<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">+ statutory fee</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PLUS (as appropriate)</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Preparing and filing own evidence:</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">250 to 750</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perusing evidence of other party:</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ of item 3.</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="35" style="height: 26.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" height="35" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 26.25pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Preparation for, and attendance at, hearing:</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">500 to 2000<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>+ statutory fee</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr height="35" style="height: 26.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" height="35" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; height: 26.25pt; width: 217pt;" width="289"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>General expenses and travelling of </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> witnesses required to attend the hearing</span></span></td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 22pt;" width="29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<td class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px black; width: 71pt;" width="95"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">up to 50 </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">per day</span></span></td> </tr>
</tbody></colgroup></table>
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
</div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Date ……………………………..</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notice of amendments to this scale will be published in the Gazette. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-MY" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span></span>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #741b47;">For more information, contact us at:</span> <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com"><span style="color: #bf277e;">malaysia@mirandah.com</span></a></span></span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-73648567258084577312013-02-19T08:40:00.005+08:002013-02-19T10:27:15.744+08:00Enquiry on Requirement of Absolute Novelty in Malaysia<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Question: <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 22.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">I understand that absolute novelty is required in Malaysia, yet a 1 year grace period preceding the filing date applies. Does this grace period apply to publication, use, or both?</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">Is the grace period worldwide or only in Malaysia?</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 22.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">Is the grace period only granted for use by the owner of the patent or the inventor?</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></u></i></b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SECTION 14. NOVELTY<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></i></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(1) An invention is new if it is not anticipated by prior art.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(2) Prior art shall consist of-<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (a) <b><u>everything disclosed to the public, anywhere in the world, by written publication</u></b>, by oral disclosure, <b><u>by use or in any other way</u></b>, <b><u>prior to the priority date of the <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/patentsa.html" target="_blank">patent</a> application claiming the invention</u></b>;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (b) The contents of a domestic patent application having an earlier priority date than the patent application referred to in paragraph <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(a) </span>to the extent that such contents are included in the patent granted on the basis of the said domestic patent application.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(3) A disclosure made under paragraph (2)<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> (a) </span>shall be disregarded –<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (a) <b><u>if such disclosure occurred within one year preceding the date of the patent application</u></b> and <b><u>if such disclosure was by reason or in consequence of acts committed by the applicant or his predecessor in title</u></b>;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (b) if such disclosure occurred within one year preceding the date of the patent application and if such disclosure was by reason or in consequence of any abuse of the rights of the applicant or his predecessor in title;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> (c) if such disclosure is by way of a pending application to register the patent in the United Kingdom Patent Office as at the date of coming into force of this Act.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></i><br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> </em></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">Answer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 22.5pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">Yes, the grace period of one year is allowable. As stated in Para (2) above, the grace period applies to any kind of disclosure; either publication or use; or both.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 22.5pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 22.5pt list 72.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -72pt;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">World-wide novelty (including Malaysia) will apply.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 22.5pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">From Para (3) above, the grace period applies to all kinds of disclosure which can include use, written or publications; both applicant and/or the predecessor (inventor)<b>.</b></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-MY" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #741b47;">For more information, contact us at:</span> <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com"><span style="color: #bf277e;">malaysia@mirandah.com</span></a></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span> </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-70372628647464173152013-02-05T09:17:00.002+08:002013-02-19T08:53:54.233+08:00Enquiry Concerning Patent Co-ownership in Malaysia<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">Question: </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b> </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">X & Y: Co-owner</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Z: Joint Applicant</span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Z, registered as a joint applicant, will be co-owner of a respective <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/patentsa.html" target="_blank">patent</a>. In such a case, can X & Y limit Z’s rights as a joint applicant?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Answer:</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">X & Y, as the current applicants can limit Z’s rights as a joint applicant by filing an agreement to the contrary between the parties (X & Y with Z) by reference to section 40 of the Malaysian Patent Act as stated below:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span> <br />
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Section 40: Joint ownership of patent applications or patents</span></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">In the absence of any agreement to the contrary between the parties, joint owners of a patent application or patent may, separately, assign or transmit their rights in the patent application or patent, exploit the patented invention and take action against any person exploiting the patented invention without their consent, but may only jointly withdraw the patent application, surrender the patent or conclude a license contract<b>.</b></span></i></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-MY" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #741b47;">For more information, contact us at:</span> <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com"><span style="color: #bf277e;">malaysia@mirandah.com</span></a></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span> </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-38795371968358884992013-02-05T09:04:00.004+08:002013-02-05T09:48:41.885+08:00Enquiry Related to Obtaining Extension of Time to Respond to Office Actions<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">1. Pursuant to Malaysia law, how far in advance of the
official office action response due date does the patent office require
Malaysian firm to request an extension of time?</span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The request for extension of time (EOT) can be filed
until the last date of the deadline. For example, if the Office Action is dated
20 January 2013, then the response for the Office Action must be filed by 20
March 2013 (two-month deadline system). Request for EOT can be filed at any
time since the issuance of the Office Action (20 January 2013) until the last
date of 20 March 2013. The extended period will start from initial deadline
regardless of when the request for EOT was filed; which means that requesting
EOT for 3 months will automatically extend the deadline to 20 June 2013 (does
not matter if the request for EOT was filed on 10 March 2013; or the last date
20 March 2013). Malaysian Patents Act does not allow for retrospective
application for filing EOT i.e. the request for EOT cannot be filed after the
deadline is over.</span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">2. How far in advance of the official
office action response due date does your firm currently request extensions of
time for GPO matters?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Our firm practices strict code of conduct in
requesting for EOT. We will only file request for EOT on the last date of the
deadline if we do not hear from the client. In our reminders prior to the
deadline, we will remind the instructing client that we will file request for
EOT if we do not hear from them until the last date of the deadline in order to
keep the application pending. We will file the request for EOT at the last date
of the deadline to ensure that the instructing client has ample time to prepare
the response; and EOT is only filed if the client did not revert with their
instruction until the last day of the deadline. We will only file request for
EOT in advance of the deadline if the instructing client gives us the
instruction to do so.</span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">3. How far in advance of the deadline does
your firm need to receive GPO instructions in order to timely file a response
(i.e. no extension of time taken)?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We accept the response to be filed until the last day
of the deadline i.e. we will file the response (without requesting EOT) if we
receive the instruction in the morning of our time on the last day of the
deadline date. However, please note that time zone difference must be taken
into consideration. We humbly request that the response shall be sent to us at
least 1 day before the deadline date in order to avoid requesting for EOT.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">ADDITIONAL NOTE</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">:
Request for EOT in Malaysia can only be applied once i.e. if the request for
EOT was filed for 2 months, then the response must be compulsorily filed by the
end of the 2 months of EOT. No further extension will be allowed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #741b47;">For more information, contact us at:</span> <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com"><span style="color: #bf277e;">malaysia@mirandah.com</span></a></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span> </span></span><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></b>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-78685765672531974602012-12-21T09:45:00.002+08:002012-12-21T09:46:15.955+08:00Questions on requirement of filing recordal of assignment and license agreement<b>Question:</b><br />
<div style="padding-left: 5em;">
Please advice on the requirements of filing recordal of assignment and License Agreement for (1) design registrations and (2) trademarks registrations.</div>
<b>Answer:</b><br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top"></td> <td valign="top">DESIGN</td> <td valign="top">TRADEMARK</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">1.) Is recording the assignment agreement and / or the license agreement optional, or is it required for the agreements to be enforceable and effective in Malaysia.</td> <td valign="top">The recording of the assignment agreement and/or the license agreement is required in order for the agreements to be enforceable and effective in Malaysia.</td> <td valign="top">The recording of the assignment agreement and/or the license agreement is required in order for the agreements to be enforceable and effective in Malaysia.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">2.) If it is optional, do you typically recommend clients to record such agreements? Are their particular benefits of recording that making it advisable to do so?</td> <td valign="top">N/A</td> <td valign="top">N/A</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">3.) What is required to record a license agreement? An assignment?</td> <td valign="top">- A copy of the license/assignment document.<br />
<br />
- A copy of a power of attorney document (ID Form 10)</td> <td valign="top">- A copy of license agreement; and<br />
<br />
- A copy of Deed of assignment</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">4.) Do the agreements need to contain any specific information/ provisions to be recognized, valid, and/or recorded?</td> <td valign="top">No specific information or provision is needed for the agreements to be recognized. However the design application or registration number must be contained in the agreement.</td> <td valign="top">No specific information or provision is needed for the agreement to be recognized. However for the Deed of Assignment, the following requirements must be provided;<br />
<br />
- Signature of both the Assignor and Assignee must be witnessed<br />
<br />
- The effective date;<br />
<br />
- The full name and address of Assignor and Assignee;<br />
<br />
- To state the value whether the assignment is with goodwill</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">5.) If the actual agreement must be recorded (as opposed to certain pieces of information from the agreement), is it possible to submit a redacted version?</td> <td valign="top">It is possible to submit a redacted version of agreements as long as the important provisions could be found in such version.</td> <td valign="top">It is possible to submit a redacted version of agreements as long as the important provisions could be found in such version.</td> </tr>
</tbody> </table>
<br />
<b>For more information, contact us at:</b> <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com">malaysia@mirandah.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-65900192411998926402012-12-21T09:42:00.001+08:002012-12-21T09:42:57.746+08:00Questions on requirement for filing design application<b>Question:</b><br />
<div style="padding-left: 5em;">
Please advice on questions regarding filing requirements for design applications in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.</div>
<b>Answer:</b><br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="20%"></td> <td align="center" width="20%">MALAYSIA</td> <td align="center" width="20%">INDONESIA</td> <td align="center" width="20%">THAILAND</td> <td align="center" width="20%">VIETNAM</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">1.) Can a design application claim priority to a utility application? If not, what effect will a utility application have on the design application?</td> <td valign="top">No. It will not have any effect. Designs can only claim priority from another design application.</td> <td valign="top">No, a design application may only claim priority from a design application. Under current practice, the Registry may cross examine an application and there is a possibility that the utility patent may be a bar to the design application. However, the Registry is not consistent with this cross examination system and the design application will be independently examined.</td> <td valign="top">No. A design application cannot claim priority to a utility application. A utility application has no effect on the design application.</td> <td valign="top">No, a design application cannot claim priority to a utility application. The design application will lack novelty if the drawings/ photos of the utility application have been disclosed.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">2.) When a design application is filed, what is the filing fees based upon (per application or per embodiment included in the application)?</td> <td valign="top">Per embodiment. In Malaysia, we practice a multiple design filing system, whereby designs with many embodiments can be filed as multiple applications within the same Locarno classification.</td> <td valign="top">The filing fees are based on per application filed. However, if there are many embodiments which with different design views, the examiner will advise us to file divisional applications for those different embodiments.</td> <td valign="top">The filing fees are pee application, on a one product one application basis.</td> <td valign="top">The filing fees based upon the number of embodiment included in the application (number of drawings) and other items.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">3.) Can dashed line be used to exclude elements from the design (e.g., “The broken-line disclosure in the views is generally understood to form part of the environment in which the claimed design is embodied, but forms no part of the claimed design.”)</td> <td valign="top">Yes, dotted/dashed lines can be used to exclude elements from a design. Only straight/solid lines will be protected.</td> <td valign="top">Dashed lines can be used to exclude elements from the design</td> <td valign="top">No. Dashed lines cannot be used to exclude elements from the design and only clear lines are required to represent the element of said design.</td> <td valign="top">No. Dashed lines/ broken-lines are always required by the examiner to be excluded from drawings. At present, partial designs are not acceptable by the Vietnamese patent office.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">4.) Can dashed-dot-dashed ( . ) be used to show that the number of the element is not limited (e.g., “The dash-dot-dash lines indicate a repeating pattern of _Y_, wherein the _X_ _ may have _Y_ of any shape and number that follow this repeating pattern.”)</td> <td valign="top">N/A</td> <td valign="top">There is no specific stipulation relating to this matter. We are of opinion it can be used.</td> <td valign="top">No. Dashed-dot-dashed <br />
<br />
( . ) cannot be used to show that the number of the element is not limited.</td> <td valign="top">Yes. It is possible.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">5.) Can/should shading be used on the figures?</td> <td valign="top">Not necessary</td> <td valign="top">Shading can be used.</td> <td valign="top">Shading can be used on the figures if it does not make the figures unclear.</td> <td valign="top">No.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">6.) Is there any required number of views? If yes, can further views also be presented?</td> <td valign="top">No. However, we advise providing 8 views, i.e. perspective view, front view, rear view, top view, bottom view, right side view, left side view.</td> <td valign="top">There is no limitation for the number of views. However, Registry recommends that a minimum of eight views should be included in the design application, i.e., Perspective view, front view, back view, left side view, right side view, bottom view and top views.</td> <td valign="top">Yes. The Department of Intellectual Property Thailand (DIP) requires at least 7 views. Further views are also acceptable.</td> <td valign="top">Yes. The 7 required views (for each embodiment) are: perspective, front, back, right side, left side, top, and bottom views. Further views are also acceptable to demonstrate the design (such as a photo/ drawing of a product comprising the part having the design).</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">7.) Are there any other points/issues that should be considered when preparing or filing a design application?</td> <td valign="top">- Drawings need to be clear and if possible be provided in jpeg or similar formats.<br />
<br />
- Color cannot be protected in design<br />
<br />
- A power of attorney (ID Form 10) signed by the applicant must be filed at the time of filing.<br />
<br />
- Priority documents in languages other than English needs to be accompanied by a certified English translation.<br />
<br />
- Any application claiming priority shall be filed within six months from the priority date.</td> <td valign="top">- At least a signed POA shall be available at the time of filing, information on inventor & its nationality is required.<br />
<br />
- Any application claiming priority shall be filed within six months from the priority date.<br />
<br />
- The design protection covers configuration, lines and shape, if there is any required colors to be protected, the application shall be filed based on the intended colors. However, we would recommend for black and white filing in order to have broader protection.<br />
<br /></td> <td valign="top">When preparing or filing a design application, drawings should be clear and related to all the views.</td> <td valign="top">All the views (7 views) must be similarly proportionate (the same size) and are clear.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">8.) Is there any standard of form language that should be included in a design application in any of the listed countries?</td> <td valign="top">English is acceptable</td> <td valign="top">The language shall be in Bahasa Indonesia.</td> <td valign="top">The title of an application should be related to the product. However, in case of the title does not convey the product, the applicant might use the description depicting the product. Therefore, the title will be related to the drawings. The Applications must be filed in Thai and all documents must be translated into Thai.</td> <td valign="top">Please use English.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top">9.) Are there any traps that we should avoid?</td> <td valign="top">N/A</td> <td valign="top">Protection on color design should be carefully considered.</td> <td valign="top">Title and drawings should communicate to ordinary people in the way what the Applicant wants his design to get protected.</td> <td valign="top">N/A</td> </tr>
</tbody> </table>
<br />
<b>For more information, contact us at:</b> <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com">malaysia@mirandah.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-24354429506512752942012-12-20T17:33:00.002+08:002013-02-05T09:59:12.296+08:00National Security Restrictions and Requirements for Foreign Filing License<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Under the patent Law, what are the national security restrictions and requirements prior to patent filings by MNC Applicants, what are the national security provisions (in general); national security provisions in China, India and other ASEAN countries?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At this day and age, more and more multi-national companies are expanding their businesses and R&D operations overseas, hoping to take advantage of the accessibility of diverse ideas and experience of the global human capitals through setting up of research facilities and conducting research and development in multiple countries. Management of innovations and IPs derived from these global R&D operations can be quite a challenging task and requires the IP Manager/ attorney to be familiar with the respective national laws governing the protection of the invention created in those countries.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For example, some pertinent issues may arise when it comes to patenting inventions developed in countries remote from the home office and even greater issues when inventions are jointly conceived by inventors in several countries or by non-native inventors residing in the countries. It is absolutely critical to know the laws of those countries having national security restriction and provisions requiring that inventions made within their territory and/or inventions made by residents of their country first file locally or separately obtain a security clearance before filing outside the country.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The consequences of not complying with or contravening all applicable national security requirements can be harsh and severe, ranging from fines, through loss of local patent rights, to criminal penalties, including imprisonment. In this article we will examine national security requirements in general and looking in detail at the requirements in India, China and S.E. Asia, regions which are enjoying the influx of R&D activities from foreign MNC entities. </div>
<br />
<b><u>National Security Provisions - In General</u> </b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
National security provisions in patent laws are not new. Many countries have similar laws to protect their national security interests. For example, the United States of America has had a requirement for patent applicants to obtain security clearance before filing patents outside the US for many years. 35 U.S.C. 184 states:</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"Except when authorized by a license obtained from the Commissioner of Patents a person shall not file or cause or authorize to be filed in any foreign country prior to six months after filing in the United States an application for patent or for the registration of a utility model, industrial design, or model in respect of an <u>invention made in this country</u> ....” </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The penalty for filing outside the US without obtaining a "foreign filing license" from the USPTO is loss of US patent rights (35 U.S.C. 185):</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>"Notwithstanding any other provisions of law any person, and his successors, assigns, or legal representatives, shall not receive a United States patent for an invention if that person, or his successors, assigns, or legal representatives shall, without procuring the license prescribed in section 184, have made, or consented to or assisted another's making, application in a foreign country for a patent or for the registration of a utility model, industrial design, or model in respect of the invention .... " </u></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(If a foreign filing is made without a §184 license in error and without deceptive intent, a retroactive license may be obtained.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is interesting to note that the US restriction relates only to inventions "<u>made in this country [i.e. US].</u>" As such, the restriction does not apply if the invention is made overseas by inventor who is a US citizen or resident. China (Article 20.1) and Russia (Article 35) too have similar provisions and only concerned with inventions made within its countries.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Other countries, however, impose their requirements not on where the invention is made, but on the residence of the inventor and/or applicant for a patent. While the residency requirement will generally be applicable for all inventions made in those countries, the laws may also extend to patent applications on inventions made by their residents anywhere in the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For example, Section 23 of the UK law provides similar provisions on inventions with military technology or whose publication would be detrimental to national security filed by residents of the UK. However, their statute essentially leaves the decision regarding military technology or detrimental publication to the applicant. Likewise, Article 41 of the Republic of Korea seems similar to the UK. There is no mandatory first filing for a security review required, but there are provisions for a security "hold" to be put on an application as well as procedures for obtaining permission to file abroad for inventions related to national security. The decision on whether such permission is required seems to be left to the applicant. Sections 50, et seq. of the German patent law are parallel to the UK and KR, leaving the decision on whether to first file or seek permission to file abroad to the applicant. The German law does give some non-specific guidance by defining a state secret in Section 93 of the criminal code.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These examples show the wide variety of requirements related to national security provisions in global patent laws. With researchers and inventors easily travelling around the globe in their pursuit of research opportunities and with the ease of collaboration between inventors in various countries leading to a single invention, it is a daunting task to keep track and be in full compliance with the provisions of all the applicable national security requirements.</div>
<br />
<b><u>National Security Provisions in China. India and the ASEAN Countries</u></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
China, India and the ASEAN countries are some of the fastest growing areas for R&D activity. Not only are more and more multi-national companies are setting up R&D centers in these countries, personnel who may be considered residents of these countries may find themselves contributing to inventions in countries outside their country of residence. For example, it is now common to find that a company employee resident in India, Singapore or Malaysia is the sole or a joint inventor on an invention made in China or the US. A graduate research student resident in one of these countries may contribute to a patentable invention while doing research at a cooperating foreign university. These practical situations again raise important questions regarding how to best protect the inventions while at the same time be in compliance with national security laws.</div>
<br />
<b>Peoples Republic of China:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For inventions developed in China, knowledge of the law regarding national security should provide sufficient guidance to avoid problems. As mentioned above, China has a national security law similar to the US. If the invention was developed in China, clearance to file outside China must be obtained before any foreign filings are made on inventions developed in China. Clearance can be obtained either by filing a domestic patent application along with a request for clearance, or filing an international (PCT) application in the Chinese receiving Office. Additionally, a request for clearance may be made without filing a patent application. A domestic patent application filing and a request for clearance without a domestic patent filing must be made in the Chinese language. An international application can be filed in the ROICN in either Chinese or English. If the applicant is not received notification that the application is undergoing a security examination within four months of the request or filing, then the applicant is free to file outside China. Similarly, if a decision on a security examination is not issued within six months of the request or filing by either a permanent security hold or granting clearance, the applicant is free to file outside China. It generally takes between 2 to 3 months to receive security clearance based on a request for clearance. The penalty for failure to comply with the law is loss of Chinese patent rights. If the application is judged to disclose Chinese State secrets, the penalty ranges from disciplinary sanctions up to criminal prosecution.</div>
<br />
<b>India, Malaysia and Singapore:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
India, Malaysia and Singapore have national security restrictions based on the residency of the inventor or applicant regardless of where the inventive activity occurred (India, Section 39; Malaysia, Section 23A; Singapore, Section 34). The laws and procedures in all three countries are similar as are the penalties for failure to comply with the security requirements. Security clearance can be obtained by filing a patent application locally and then waiting the specified time period before making any foreign filings. The time period varies by country:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6 weeks in India and 2 months in Malaysia and Singapore. Security clearance can also be obtained by applying for permission to file abroad (foreign filing license) in the absence of filing a local patent application. Following an application, a foreign filing license will be issued in about 21 days in India (although it has been known to take up to a month), 1 to 2 days in Singapore and 3-5 working days in Malaysia. The penalties for failing to comply with the law are a fine and up to 2 years imprisonment in all three countries. India, like China and the US, further considers the patent application for the invention to be abandoned.</div>
<br />
<b>Other Countries in S.E. Asia:</b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines do not have such provisions in their laws and one need not be concerned regarding inventions developed in these countries or with residents of these countries inventing elsewhere.</div>
<br />
<b><u>Discussion</u></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When an applicant has to be in compliance with a number of national security laws, determining how best to proceed can be difficult. Fortunately, each of these countries has provisions for obtaining security clearance without first filing a patent application. Some of these clearance procedures are quick (SG and MY) while others can delay the time needed before the first filing can be made (IN and CN). Careful planning, allowing adequate time, is necessary to insure filings are made in sufficient time to insure that there is no public exposure or other novelty destroying event prior to the actual first filing date.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In addition to planning for the additional time to comply with national requirements (and translation in some cases), the position of each national law regarding seeking security clearance from another country must be determined. Since these laws are designed to keep state secrets from becoming part of the public domain, the applicant must ensure that the act of petitioning for clearance with a full enabling disclosure in one country does not inadvertently put the applicant in violation of the law in another country.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, for countries establishing their requirements on the residency of the inventor(s) or applicant(s), a clear definition on who is considered as a resident is needed. Under Indian law the term "resident" is not defined in the patent law. Some people have turned to the Indian tax statutes for the definition of residency (i.e. person living in India for more than 182 days in the preceding year). This may or may not be acceptable as the patent law itself is silent on the qualification. Under Singapore law, we find the definition of resident is very broad and encompasses people who are residing in Singapore with a valid pass issued under the Immigration Act to enter and remain in Singapore for any purpose regardless of the nature of the stay. Because obtaining a foreign filing license in these countries is relatively easy and quick, taking a very conservative view of whether an inventor or applicant could be considered a resident seems the best practice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is always best to work closely with your local agent in each of the relevant countries to help resolve any problems associated with national security clearance and help to set up a standard procedure to keep one in compliance with all national security laws when inventions are made by residents of one of the countries having their requirements on residency and in cases where developments occur in multiple countries. Remember that it is important to do it right, up front, as most countries outside of the US do not have provisions for obtaining a foreign filing license retroactively after a filing has been made. Once the security law has been contravened, the consequences of being in violation can be severe including loss of patent rights, monetary penalty, or jail terms not exceeding 2 years.</div>
<br />
<b>For more information, contact us at:</b> <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com" target="_blank">malaysia@mirandah.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-19907393732607960442012-12-10T12:08:00.003+08:002013-02-05T10:01:16.309+08:00Please advice according to Malaysian law and regulations: If a product is ‘made in Italy’ or ‘made in Hungary’, but the product is termed as ‘made in EU’ (for European Union), would it be considered as valid?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Product labeling is governed by the
Consumer Protection Act 1999 and it will be an offence to misrepresent.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">The act requires that consumers be fairly
and accurately informed of the</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"> </span><u style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">country
of origin</u><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">of the imported
goods into Malaysia and this is to be stated on the product label. Because EU
is a community having member states that are independent and autonomous, it
will not be possible to make something in Romania and label it as EU MADE. You
can however label it as EU compliant in standards like CE.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Therefore,
the Country of Manufacture must be stated on the product under the Malaysia
Law.</span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"></span></span><div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #741b47;">For more information, contact us at:</span> <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com"><span style="color: #bf277e;">malaysia@mirandah.com</span></a></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-44198384417484359742012-12-07T11:13:00.002+08:002012-12-07T11:34:40.666+08:00Please advise on the “working” of a patent and the necessity for the patentee to prepare an appropriate submission to prove “working” of a patent.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is <b><u>not
required for the patentee to prove or submit evidences regarding “working” of
the <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/patentsa.html" target="_blank">patent</a></u></b>. It is the responsibility of any third party if they are
interested to obtain the compulsory license on a granted patent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Compulsory license
can only be applied, after the expiration of three years from grant date (i.e.
after 15 January 2013) by any third party on the following circumstances:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">there is <b><i>no production of the patented product or application of
the patented product or the patented process in Malaysia</i></b> without any
legitimate reason; <b>[ refers to “non-working” of a patent]</b></span> <span style="color: blue;">or</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">there is no production of the patented product in Malaysia for sale in
any domestic market, or there are some but they are sold at unreasonably high
prices or do not meet the public demand without any legitimate reason</span><span style="color: blue;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, prior to
making an application for a compulsory license, the applicant must have made
efforts to obtain authorisation from the owner of the patent on reasonable
commercial terms and conditions, within a reasonable period of time of six
months (from the initial efforts made) but such efforts have failed. Evidence
of such efforts need to be submitted with the application.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The responsibility to
prove the “non-working” of a patent in Malaysia is at the hand of the third
party who intends to apply for the compulsory licence. The patentee, on the
other hand, is not required to submit any evidence for “working” of the patent
in Malaysia.</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">For more information, contact us at:</span> </span><a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com"><span style="color: #bf277e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">malaysia@mirandah.com</span></span></a></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-63236624932330670102012-11-21T16:52:00.000+08:002012-11-21T16:59:32.742+08:00Under the patent law of Malaysia, is there any circumstance under which Reference A below could be deemed prior art to Application Z below?<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 6.75pt; margin-right: 6.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; mso-table-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-table-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-table-left: left; mso-table-lspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-rspace: 9.0pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
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<br /></div>
</td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 163.05pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">A</span></b><b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 180.25pt;" valign="top" width="240"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Z</span></b><b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Application Type</span></b><b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">PCT Application</span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 180.25pt;" valign="top" width="240"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">National Phase Entry in Malaysia</span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Filing Date</span></b><b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 163.05pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">1 January 2009</span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 180.25pt;" valign="top" width="240"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">1 September 2010</span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Priority Claim</span></b><b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 163.05pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">1 January 2008; US Provisional app.</span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 180.25pt;" valign="top" width="240"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">PCT, 1 March 2009.</span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">US Provisional app, 1 March 2008.</span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Publication Date</span></b><b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">1 July 2009</span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 180.25pt;" valign="top" width="240"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Applicant</span></b><b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 163.05pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">B</span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 180.25pt;" valign="top" width="240"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">C</span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Contents of app</span></b><b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 163.05pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Identical</span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 180.25pt;" valign="top" width="240"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Identical</span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Contention</span></b><b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Is A deem as prior art to Z?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS PGothic"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br />
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Note : B ≠ C </span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
</span></b> <br />
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">A. PROSECUTION OF Z’s PATENT APPLICATION IN MALAYSIA<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Section 14 (2) of the Malaysian Patents Act 1983</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> defines the term prior art on what material is taken into account in considering whether an invention is "novel". For sake of clarity, we reproduce the same as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span></i>
<span lang="EN-MY" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(2) Prior art shall consist of-- <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(a) everything disclosed to the public, anywhere in the world, by written publication, by oral disclosure, by use or in any other way, prior to the priority date of the patent application claiming the invention; <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-MY" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(b) the contents of a domestic patent application having an earlier priority date than the patent application referred to in paragraph (a) to the extent that such contents are included in the patent granted on the basis of the said domestic<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-MY" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> patent application.</i></span><i style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">In the context of A and Z as outlined above, we opine that <b><u>A could be deemed as prior art in respect of Novelty during prosecution of Z’s application in Malaysia.<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">B. LITIGATION OF Z’S PATENT IN MALAYSIA<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">In any case if Z’s application prevails in Malaysia during prosecution and mature into a granted patent whereby A is not cited against Z and if there is litigation on Z, an example case law as provided below may apply.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span class="casetitle"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In the case of SANOFI- AVENTIS (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD & ANOR v. FRESENIUS KABI (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD; </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span class="casetitle"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">The Learned Judge in her Judgment dated 28 June 2011 (see para. 60 below) has pointed out that in considering "novelty" it covers both material which would have been available to the skilled addressee and also material contained within unpublished pending patent applications. Whereas for considering "inventive step" the "prior art"/"state of the art" is limited to material which would have been available to the skilled addressee: unpublished pending patent applications are not to be taken into account.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">For sake of clarity, we reproduce para. 60 of the said Judgment:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">[60]</span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> It is to be noted that the provisions of the two Acts are effectively the same in defining what is the "prior art"/"state of the art". For the purposes of considering "novelty" it covers both material which would have been available to the skilled addressee and also material contained within unpublished pending patent applications. For the purposes of considering "inventive step" the "prior art"/"state of the art" is limited to material which would have been available to the skilled addressee: unpublished pending patent applications are not to be taken into account.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">PRIOR ART (NOVELTY)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">Therefore, in the context of A which claims priority to US Provisional application dated 1 January 2008; the said US Provisional application is an unpublished patent application on 1 January 2008 which matures into a PCT application on 1 January 2009. A is with an earlier priority date as compared to Z. <b>Therefore, A is novelty destroying to Z.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><b><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">PRIOR ART (INVENTIVE STEP)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">As discussed above, unpublished patent applications are not considered as prior art in respect of Inventive Step. A was published on 1 July 2009 which was after the priority date of Z (1 March 2008). Therefore, <b>A will not be taken into account in respect of prior art when considering “inventive step”.</b></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: blue; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</b></span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #741b47;">For more information, contact us at:</span> <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com"><span style="color: #bf277e;">malaysia@mirandah.com</span></a></span></span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com"><span style="color: #bf277e;"><br /></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-82991737150133892792012-10-30T10:43:00.004+08:002012-10-30T10:58:58.204+08:00Please advise whether there is statutory protection system in Malaysia to define the owner's interest during this period from announcement to granting the patent after entering the Malaysian Phase.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/patentsa.html" target="_blank">patent</a>
cannot be enforced after entering national phase until it has been granted.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However,
an Applicant can issue a warning letter on <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/infringement-advice.html" target="_blank">infringement</a>. The effect of issuing
a warning notice is that:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">The Applicant has placed a constructive notice of infringement;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">Section 59 will apply upon grant;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">The damages from the act of infringement will be assessed from the
date of constructive notice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Section
59 of the Patent Act states:</span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="color: blue;">(1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue;">The owner of the patent shall have the right to institute
Court proceedings against any person who has infringed or is infringing the
patent</span><span style="color: blue;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">The owner of the patent shall have the same right against
any person who has performed acts which make it likely that an infringement
will occur, which in this Part is referred to as an “imminent infringement”.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">The proceedings in subsections (1) and (2) may not be instituted
after five years from the act of infringement.</span></i></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="color: blue;"></span></o:p></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #741b47;">For more information, contact us at:</span> <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com"><span style="color: #bf277e;">malaysia@mirandah.com</span></a></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"></span></strong><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-46885526637555841762012-10-22T16:44:00.001+08:002012-10-24T12:26:22.785+08:00Please advise on the deadline for filing a divisional application<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/categories/item/344-status-of-divisional-applications-clarified.html" target="_blank">Divisional application</a> can be filed (voluntarily) as a response to the </span><b style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><u>first </u></b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">Substantive
Examination Adverse report. Unless the Examiner has objected on unity of invention
in the 2</span><sup style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">nd</sup><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"> or 3</span><sup style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">rd</sup><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"> Substantive Examination Adverse report,
the applicant will not be able to file divisional application voluntarily at
that stage.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">If the deadline to
file response to the first Substantive Examination Adverse report is extended,
then the deadline for filing divisional application is also extended for the
same period of time.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">For more information, contact us at: <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com">malaysia@mirandah.com</a><b> </b></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-83363996657737035582012-10-09T10:14:00.003+08:002012-10-24T12:24:45.066+08:00Please advice on the law and business of software development/distribution in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Philippines.<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: currentColor; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 440px;"><tbody>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/malaysia/malaysia.html" target="_blank">Malaysia<o:p></o:p></a></span></b></div>
</td> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="92"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/singapore/singapore.html" target="_blank">Singapore</a> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="93"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/indonesia/indonesia.html" target="_blank">Indonesia</a> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="93"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/philippines/philippines.html" target="_blank">Philippines<o:p></o:p></a></span></b></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 3.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Statutory protection of Software<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Computer programs are defined by Section 3 of the Copyright Act in Malaysia. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Therefore, the distribution of software in Malaysia would fall within the definition of a ‘literary work’ and protected under Copyright.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The Malaysian Patents Act does not specifically define Software. However the examination system allows for reliance on allowance of corresponding claims in other countries. Modified examination is available where the applicant has obtained the grant of a parallel Australian, European, UK, Japanese, Korean or US patent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">As such, there is scope to rely on a software patent granted by the corresponding Patent Office as a basis to get the patent accepted under the modified examination route.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Software is protected by patents in accordance with the </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">WTO</span>'s <span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights</span> (TRIPs).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Further, Section 7 of the Singapore Copyright Act also defines Computer programs as literary works and are protectable under copyright.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Computer programs are protected and governed by Article 12(1)(a) of the Copyright Act (“CA”) in Indonesia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Article 1 of the CA in Indonesia defines a computer program as a collection of instructions manifested in the form of a language, codes, diagrams, or any other forms, which when combined with media that can be read by computers will be able to make computers work to execute certain functions or to obtain specific results, including the preparation in designing the instructions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Therefore, the distribution of software in Indonesia is governed by the laws of copyright, in that any person seeking to develop and distribute any software must have prior consent or a license from the original owner to use such software. (Article 2(2) CA)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.9pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines protects;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a. Databases and tables.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">b. It grants an exclusive rental right to the copyright owner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.7pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-indent: -1.7pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">c. It recognizes and expands the protection of an author’s “moral rights”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.7pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-indent: -1.7pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">d. That is, the right of an author to preserve the integrity of their works and their name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.7pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-indent: -1.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.7pt; text-indent: -1.7pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">e. It penalizes the possession of infringing software for the purposes of sale.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 86.35pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; height: 86.35pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Statutory protection of Software and database<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 86.35pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Copyright - The life of the author + 50 years after his death<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Patent – 20 years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 86.35pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The life of the author + 7<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6314455655901855766" name="_GoBack"></a>0 years after his death<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Patent – 20 years</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 86.35pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The life of the author + 50 years after his death</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 86.35pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.9pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The life of the author + 50 years after his death</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Shrink Wrap license<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">When a consumer purchases and uses shrink-wrapped software, it is usually considered that they have agreed to the terms of the licensing agreement in the package. Therefore, the license would be deemed binding on consumers in Malaysia. Although the agreement is not conclusive, it does carry a lot of weight in Malaysia's court of law.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">In Singapore, Shrink wrap licenses are binding upon the consumer who purchases the software.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Shrink wrap licenses are binding in Indonesia provided they are fair and not misleading.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.9pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">When a consumer purchases a legitimate copy of a computer program/software, you will receive a license agreement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">This agreement will tell you how you may use the computer program/software. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">If you do anything with the computer program/software, which is not permitted under the license agreement (or the IP Code), then you will have breached the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Code and will be liable for the penalties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Bulk License<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">An owner of the copyright of a software can assign his rights via a licensing agreement for the distribution of that software (Section 27 Copyright Act)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Under Section 34 and 38, an owner of a software patent may grant assign his/her rights or grant a compulsory license for the use and distribution of that software.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">An owner of the copyright of a software can assign his rights via a licensing agreement for the distribution of that software.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Under Section 53, an owner of a software patent may grant assign his/her rights or grant a compulsory license for the use and distribution of that software.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.95pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The Copyright holder shall have the right to give a license to another party based on a licensing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">agreement to carry out any distribution or development of the software.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentColor windowtext windowtext currentColor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.9pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A person may only copy, adapt or rent, distribute or develop a computer program/software program if the copyright owner gives you the permission to do this. This permission is given in the form of a license.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This license agreement will tell you how you may use the software. If you do anything with the software, which is not permitted under the license agreement, then you will have breached the Code and will be liable for the penalties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">For more information, contact us at: <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com">malaysia@mirandah.com</a><b> </b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-73049025769444748512012-10-01T10:43:00.005+08:002012-10-24T12:27:45.088+08:00Re-registration of Malaysia’s Patent in Brunei<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Under Section 115 of the new Patents Order,
2011, any existing application for the re-registration of a granted UK,
European Patent Office (designating UK), Malaysian or Singapore patent which
has been filed before the commencement of the new Patents Order (1<sup>st</sup>
January 2012) will be granted as if the previous law had not been repealed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moreover, if a patent has been granted in the
UK, European Patent Office (designating UK), Malaysia or Singapore within 36
months immediately before the commencement of the Patents Order, 2011 (1<sup>st</sup>
January 2009 – 31<sup>st</sup> December 2011) and that patent is still in force
on that date, an application for re-registration of that patent may be filed
within 24 months from the date of commencement of the Patents Order, 2011 (1<sup>st</sup>
January 2012 - 31<sup>st</sup> December 2013). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Furthermore, if a UK, European Patent Office
(designating UK), Malaysian or Singapore patent application has been filed
before the commencement of the <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/categories/item/333-new-patents-order-in-brunei-darussalam.html" target="_blank">Patents Order</a>, 2011 and is still pending on that
date, the applicant, may within 12 months of the date of issuance of the
patent, may apply to re-register the foreign patent as if the previous law had
not been repealed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Section 115 of the New
Patent Order, 2011<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(1) Where an application
has been made under section 2 of the Inventions Act [Chapter 72) before the
commencement of this Order, the Registrar may issue a certificate of
registration under section 4 of that Act after that date as if that Act and any
regulations made there under had not been repealed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(2) Where a patent has been
granted under any law relating to patents having effect in the United Kingdom,
Malaysia or Singapore during the period of 36 months immediately before the
commencement of this Order and that patent is still in force on that date, the
proprietor of the patent may, within a period of 24 months from that
commencement date, make an application for a certificate of registration and
the Registrar may issue a certificate on such application as if the Inventions
Act [Chapter 72) and any regulations made there under had not been repealed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(3) Where an application
for a patent has been made before the commencement date under any law relating
to patents having effect in the United Kingdom, Malaysia or Singapore and the
application is pending on that commencement date, the applicant may, within a
period of 12 months from the date of issue of the grant of a patent on that
application, make an application for a certificate of registration and the Registrar
may issue a certificate on such application as if the Inventions Act (Chapter
72) and any regulations made there under had not been repealed.<b>”</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For more
information, contact us at: <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com">malaysia@mirandah.com</a><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-67723004564068738222012-10-01T10:38:00.002+08:002012-10-24T12:28:27.287+08:00Please advice if annuities are to be paid with respect to Brunei Patents<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">Under new <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/categories/item/333-new-patents-order-in-brunei-darussalam.html" target="_blank">Patents Order</a>, 2011 (1</span><sup style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">st</sup><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"> January
2012), any re-registration patents in Brunei are to be paid for local annuities
to keep the Brunei patents in force.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">The
earliest annuity fee is due on the fourth anniversary (Annuity for 5<sup>th</sup>
Year) of the filing date of the foreign (GB/EP (GB)/MY/SG) patent on which the
registration is based. Further fees are due on each subsequent anniversary
until the expiry of 20 years from that filing date. However, there will be no
annuity fee payable for any anniversary that is prior to 1<sup>st</sup> January
2012. Annuity fees which fall within the year 2012 shall be paid by 31<sup>th</sup>
December 2012 without any late surcharge according to the Brunei’s Patent
Registry Office.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Please be informed that annuity payment must be
accompanied by evidence that the basic foreign (GB/EP(GB)/MY/SG) patent has not
been revoked as of the date of applying for renewal, which we will be able to
attend at our end. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">For
more information, contact us at: <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com">malaysia@mirandah.com</a><b> </b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-31259274011521637902012-09-19T11:27:00.001+08:002012-10-24T12:32:15.792+08:00Please advise if there is a grace period from publication for filing in Malaysia? If so, what is the time period and what evidence is required?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. A novelty grace period of one (1) year is provided for filing a <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/malaysia/patent-system-in-malaysia.html" target="_blank">patent application in Malaysia</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. <u>Subsection 14 (3) (a) and (b) of the Malaysian Patents Act 1983 on Novelty.</u></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><strong>14 (3) A disclosure made under paragraph (2) (a) shall be disregarded -</strong> </em></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>(a) if such disclosure occurred within one year preceding the date of the patent </strong></span></em></span><span style="color: blue;"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>application </strong></span></em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><em><strong>and </strong></em></span><span style="color: blue;"><em><strong>if such </strong><strong>disclosure was by reason or in consequence of acts </strong></em></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><em><strong>committed by the applicant or </strong></em></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><em><strong>his </strong></em></span><strong><span style="color: blue;"><em>predecessor in title; </em></span></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>(b) if such disclosure occurred within one year preceding the date of the patent</em></span></strong><strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> application </em></span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: blue;"><em>and </em></span></strong><span style="color: blue;"><em><strong>if such </strong><strong>disclosure was by reason or in consequence of any abuse of </strong></em></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><em><strong>the rights of the </strong></em></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><em><strong>applicant or </strong></em></span><span style="color: blue;"><em><strong>his predecessor </strong><strong>in title;</strong></em></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. <u>Subsection 14 (2) (a) of the Malaysian Patents Act 1983 on prior arts.</u></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>(2) Prior art shall consist of-</em></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>(a) everything disclosed to the public, anywhere in the world, by written publication, </em></strong></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>by oral </em></strong></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>disclosure, by use or in any other way, prior to the priority date of the patent </em></strong></span><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>application </strong></span><span style="color: blue;"><strong>claiming the invention;</strong></span></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information, contact us at: </span><a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">malaysia@mirandah.com</span></a></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-11638956611014574652012-07-18T09:18:00.005+08:002012-07-18T09:25:05.690+08:00Practices and Procedures on withdrawal of Patent Application in Malaysia<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><u><b>Can you please let us know what are the practices and procedures
on withdrawal of Patent Application in Malaysia. </b></u></span><span lang="EN-US"><u><b>Please advise us whether
discontinuing prosecution of an application without express abandonment or
withdrawal may be prejudicial to a related patent or application
under Malaysian patent practice?</b></u><b style="text-decoration: underline;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Discontinuing prosecution of an application without express abandonment or withdrawal <b>will not be prejudicial</b> to a related <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/patentsa.html" target="_blank">patent</a> or application under Malaysian patent practice. A Notice of Refusal will be issued by MyIPO (Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia) if the applicant fails to respond to an office action on given deadline. This will cause the related patent or application to be refused.</u></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>However, the applicant may also withdraw the application by submitting an official declaration to withdraw the said application, as provided in the Malaysian Patents Act. For sake of clarity, we provide herewith Section 25 of the Malaysian Patents Act for your perusal.</u></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Section 25 </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Withdrawal of application</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div>
<div style="font-style: italic;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An applicant may withdraw his application at any time during its pendency by submitting a declaration in the prescribed form to the Registrar, and such "</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-style: italic;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #632035; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">For more information, contact us at: </span><a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">malaysia@mirandah.com</a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-60738543458843164452012-07-14T12:02:00.000+08:002012-07-14T12:10:21.778+08:00Information Needed on Abandonment or Lapse Procedures<ol>
<li><em>Does your country’s local patent office issue an official notice of abandonment? If applicable, please differentiate between filing an official notice of withdrawal and simply allowing the case to lapse without filing a withdrawal.</em><br /><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><u>Yes, MyIPO (Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia) issues a Notice of Refusal (Abandonment) if the said application/ patent was abandon/ lapsed. The application/ patent can be abandon by filing a form with an authorized signature to file a withdrawal officially. However we practice by allowing the application/ patent to be lapsed.</u></span></li>
<br />
<li><em>If your local patent office does issue an official notice of abandonment, how long does it typically take for it to issue?</em><br /><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><u>The Notice of abandonment will be issued within 3 months from the date of filing an official notice of abandonment or if the application/ patent lapsed.</u></span></li>
<br />
<li><em>Do you report to US counsel the official notice of abandonment once received?</em><br /><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><u>We do not report or send the official notice of abandonment, however if requested we will be able to provide the said notice.</u></span></li>
<br />
<li><em>If you have received official instructions from us to allow a case to lapse when there are no outstanding deadlines in said case, do you report to us any newly issued office actions?</em><br /><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><u>Yes, but we will just forward a copy of the issued office action for your record without accompanied reporting letter.</u></span></li>
<br />
</ol>
<ol>For more information, contact us at: <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com">malaysia@mirandah.com</a></ol>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-62613075838022208962012-06-08T11:14:00.000+08:002012-06-08T11:14:10.593+08:00Inquiry on Patent Marking and Design Registration Marking in Malaysia<strong>A. <u>Patent Marking</u></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
1) Is there any advantage (benefit) for putting a mark of patent or <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/patentsa.html" target="_blank">patent</a> number on the patented article (product)?<br />
<br />
<u><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">No, in Malaysia there is no advantage for Patent Marking on the patented product.</span></strong></u><br />
<br /><u><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">If patented product are appropriately marked then patentee may use it to obtain damages resulting from infringement based on the patented product. However, if the patented product is falsely represented the patentee may be liable for legal action. Section 64 of Malaysian Patent Act states as below:</span></strong></u><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">“Section 64. Unauthorised claim or <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/patentsa.html" target="_blank">patent</a>. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">(1) Any person who falsely represents that anything disposed of by him for value is a patented product or process commits an offence and, subject to the following provisions of this section, is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding fifteen thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a person who for value disposes of an article having stamped, engraved or impressed on it or otherwise applied to it the word "patent" or "patented" or anything expressing or implying that the article is a patented product, shall be taken to represent that the article is a patented product. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">(3) Subsection (1) does not apply where the representation is made in respect of a product after the patent for that product or, as the case may be, the process in question has, expired or been invalidated and before the end of a period which is reasonably sufficient to enable that person to take steps to ensure that the representation is not made or does not continue to be made. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">(4) In proceedings for an offence under this section, it shall be a defence for any person to prove that he used due diligence to prevent the commission of the offence.”</span><br />
<br />
<br />
2) Is there any disadvantage for not putting a mark of patent on the patented article (product)?<br />
<br />
<u><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">There is no disadvantage by not marking a patent number on a patented product</span></strong>.</u><br />
<br />
<br />
3) Is it mandatory to put a mark of patent on the patented article (product)?<br />
<br />
<strong><u><span style="color: #3d85c6;">It is not mandatory as there are no requirements for patent marking in Malaysia.</span></u></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>B. <u>Design Registration Marking</u></strong><br />
<br />
1) Is there any advantage (benefit) for putting a mark of registered design or <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/categories/item/267-court-removes-mark-from-register.html" target="_blank">design registration</a> number on the design-registered article (product)?<br />
<br />
<strong><u><span style="color: #3d85c6;">No, in Malaysia there is no advantage for marking of a design registration number on a registered article.</span></u></strong><br />
<strong><br /><u><span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><span style="color: #3d85c6;">If registered article are appropriately marked then patentee may use it to obtain damages resulting from infringement based on the registered article. However, if the registered article is falsely represented the patentee may be liable for legal action. Section 37 of Malaysian Industrial Design Act states as below:</span></u></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">“Section 37. False representation of registration.</span></strong> <br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">(1) Any person who falsely represents that anything disposed of by him for value is an article protected by an industrial design registration commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding fifteen thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a person who for value disposes of any article having stamped, engraved or impressed thereon or otherwise applied thereto the words "registered industrial design" or any other word or words expressing or implying that the article is one to which a registered industrial design has been applied, shall be taken to represent that the article is one protected by an industrial design registration. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">(3) Subsection (1) does not apply where the representation is made in respect of an industrial design after the registration in respect of that industrial design has expired or been revoked and before the end of a period which is reasonably sufficient to enable that person to take steps to ensure that the representation is not made or does not continue to be made. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">(4) In proceedings for an offence under this section, it shall be a defence for any person to prove that he used due diligence to prevent the commission of the offence. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">(5) This section shall have effect in relation to a right to apply for the registration of an industrial design as they have effect in relation to a registered industrial design, and references to a registered industrial design shall include references to a right to apply for the registration of an industrial design.”</span><br />
<br />
<br />
2) Is there any disadvantage for not putting a mark of registered design or design registration number on the design-registered article (product)?<br />
<br />
<strong><u><span style="color: #3d85c6;">There is no disadvantage by not marking design registration number on a registered article.</span></u></strong><br />
<br />
3) Is it mandatory to put a mark of registered design or design registration number on the design-registered article (product)?<br />
<br />
<strong><u><span style="color: #3d85c6;">It is not mandatory as there are no requirements for registered design marking in Malaysia.</span></u></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
For more information, contact us at: <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com" target="_blank">malaysia@mirandah.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-34198533091237448902012-06-08T10:41:00.000+08:002012-06-08T10:43:47.303+08:00Divisional Application<br />
1. Is it possible to file divisional application after a clear report is issued?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/categories/item/344-status-of-divisional-applications-clarified.html" target="_blank">Divisional application</a> can only be filed within 3 months from receiving the first examination report. If the first report is a clear report, then the applicant can file divisional application within the prescribed timeline.<br />
<br />
However, if the applicant did not file <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/categories/item/344-status-of-divisional-applications-clarified.html" target="_blank">divisional application</a> in response to the first examination report, and subsequently the application is issued clear report, then the applicant cannot file divisional application.<br />
<br />
<br />
2. Alternatively, upon receiving clear report and if the applicant wants to file <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/categories/item/344-status-of-divisional-applications-clarified.html" target="_blank">divisional application</a>; then the following route can be taken:<br />
<br />
<br />
a).File post-grant amendment incorporating the allowed claims and intended divisional claims (divisional claims shall not go beyond initial disclosure and does not add new subject matter)<br />
<br />
b).The Examiner will conduct further examination on the post-grant amendment and can come out with 2 possible outcomes:<br />
<br />
(i) issue amended clear report and all the claims will be allowed<br />
<br />
(ii) issue another adverse report and cite objection on unity of invention. Now, the applicant can divide the application based on the examination report.<br />
<br />
<br />
For more information, contact us at: <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com" target="_blank">malaysia@mirandah.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-85230089911045297862012-02-14T08:41:00.002+08:002012-02-14T08:41:38.757+08:00TrademarkIf a trademark registration owned by Company A is assigned to Company B, can Company B recover damages for past infringements?<br />
<br />
If A assigns the rights to a mark to B while on infringement was going on, B will not be a party to the past infringement under Malaysian Law. B will have rights only after putting the infringer on constructive notice (which will be after such an assignment is dated and filed at the PTO). <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/infringement-advice.html" target="_blank">Infringement of a property right</a> cannot follow with an IP right transfer or assignment.<br />
<br />
A fresh notice of infringement will have to be issued to the infringer by B and thereafter damages will start.<br />
<br />
For more information, contact us at: malaysia@mirandah.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-49130374087236856782012-02-14T08:38:00.000+08:002012-02-14T08:38:14.700+08:00Assess damagesHow does the High Court assess damages?<br />
<br />
1) The most common way to assess <strong>damages will be based on profit loss</strong>. The judge and the lawyers will take this as the easiest route of assessment of loss of profit. This is in 90% of the cases. This is how the damages was given by the High Court.<br />
<br />
2. In very rare cases the winning party will ask for profit that the winning party would have gained otherwise. I say this is rare as the winning party usually would have to prove that they actually lost. If a plaintiff wins the infringement action hypothetically, if they go on (2) they will be not able to prove that they lost profits when in actual fact, the plaintiffs sales would have gone up tremendously in the years that the infringement went into the market.<br />
<br />
So (1) would be the way to assess damages in most or all the cases.<br />
<br />
For more information on <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/intellectual-property-consultancy.html" target="_blank">intellectual property consulting</a>, contact us at: malaysia@mirandah.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314455655901855766.post-80838700142673023122011-12-29T17:30:00.001+08:002012-02-14T11:40:23.820+08:00COMPETITION ACT 2010<strong>SECTION A: AN OVERVIEW OF THE CA 2010</strong><br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Status:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Passed by Parliament: 26 April 2010.<br />
Date of Royal Assent: 2 June 2010.<br />
Date of publication in the Federal Government Gazette: 10 June 2010.<br />
In force from: 1 January 2012<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Application of the CA <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<ul>
<li>The CA 2010 applies to any commercial activity, both within and outside <a href="http://www.mirandah.com/en/malaysia/malaysia.html">Malaysia</a>.</li>
<li>In relation to the application of CA 2010 outside Malaysia, CA 2010 applies to any commercial activity transacted outside Malaysia which has an effect on competition in any market in Malaysia.</li>
<li>“Commercial activity” – means any activity of a commercial nature but does not include:</li>
<ul>
<li>(a) any activity, directly or indirectly in the exercise of governmental authority;</li>
<li>(b) any activity conducted based on the principle of solidarity; and</li>
<li>(c) any purchase of goods or services not for the purposes of offering goods and services as part of an economic activity.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<a name='more'></a>Non- application of CA <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
The CA 2010 does not apply to any commercial activity regulated under the following legislation*:</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
1. Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588]<br />
2. Energy Commission Act 2001 [Act 610]<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(*The list of legislation is subject to amendment by the Minister)<br />
<div>
</div>
Purpose<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(a) To promote economic development by promoting and protecting the process of competition thereby protecting the interest of consumers and to provide for matters connected therewith; and <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(b) To encourage efficiency, innovation and entrepreneurship, which promotes competitive prices, improvement in the quality of products and services and wider choices for consumers.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Key subjects envisaged in the CA <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
“concerted parties” – means any form of coordination between enterprises which knowingly substitutes practical co-operation between them for the risks of competition and includes any practice which involves direct or indirect contact or communication between enterprises, the object or effect of which is either-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(a) to influence the conduct of one or more enterprises in a market; or<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(b) to disclose the course of conduct which an enterprise has decided to adopt or is contemplating to adopt in a market, in circumstances where such disclosure would not have been made under normal conditions of competition;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
“agreements” – any form of contract, arrangement or understanding, whether or not legally enforceable, between enterprises, and includes a decision by an association and concerted parties (p/s - the formal legal meaning of “agreement” is not applicable for CA 2010)<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
“horizontal agreement” - an agreement between enterprises each of which operates at the same level in the production or distribution chain<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
“vertical agreement” - an agreement between enterprises each of which operates at a different level in the production or distribution chain<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Ambit of “supply” <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
It includes:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<ul>
<li>(a) in relation to goods, the supply and resupply, by way of sale, exchange, lease, hire or hire-purchase of the goods; and</li>
<li>(b) in relation to services, the provision by way of sale, grant or conferment of the services;</li>
</ul>
“Commission” <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
"Commission" means the Competition Commission established under the Competition Commission Act 2010;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
“dominant position” <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Means a situation in which one or more enterprises possess such significant power in a market to adjust prices or outputs or trading terms, without effective constraint from competitors or potential competitors.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
“enterprise” </div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
Means any entity carrying on commercial activities relating to goods or services, and for the purposes of this Act, a parent and subsidiary company shall be regarded as a single enterprise if, despite their separate legal entity, they form a single economic unit within which the subsidiaries do not enjoy real autonomy in determining their actions on the market. <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
“Market”<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Means a market in Malaysia or in any part of Malaysia, and when used in relation to any goods or services, includes a market for those goods or services and other goods or services that are substitutable for, or otherwise competitive with, the first-mentioned goods or services.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
“Minister” <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Minister is the Minister of Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs of Malaysia<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Prohibitions in the CA <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
The competition in market in Malaysia, the competitors are prohibited from the following:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
1. Anti-competitive agreement: <br />
<ul>
<li>Anti-competitive agreement – Agreement with the “object” or “effect” that may significantly prevent, restrict or distort competition in the market</li>
<li>A horizontal or vertical agreement between enterprises is prohibited as the agreement has the effect of significantly preventing, restricting or distorting competition in any market for goods or services</li>
<li>Act of infringement in horizontal agreements, including but not limited to:–</li>
<ul>
<li>(a) fix, directly or indirectly, a purchase or selling price or any other trading conditions;</li>
<li>(b) share market or sources of supply;</li>
<li>(c) limit or control:-</li>
<ul>
<li>(i) production;</li>
<li>(ii) market outlets or market access;</li>
<li>(iii) technical or technological development; or</li>
<li>(iv) investment; or</li>
</ul>
<li>(d) perform an act of bid rigging.</li>
</ul>
<li>Examples of vertical agreements:</li>
<ul>
<li>(a) supply agreements;</li>
<li>(b) distribution agreements;</li>
<li>(c) licensing agreement;</li>
<li>(d) franchise agreements;</li>
<li>(e) agency agreements;</li>
<li>(f) contract manufacturing agreements.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
(p/s – the vertical agreements shall not affect entry barriers)<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
2. Abuse of Dominant Position:<br />
<ul>
<li>An enterprise is prohibited from engaging in any conduct which amounts to an abuse of a dominant position in any market for goods or services;</li>
<li>The test for abuse of dominant position:</li>
<ul>
<li>i) whether an undertaking is dominant in a relevant market either in Malaysia or elsewhere; and</li>
<li>ii) if it is, whether it is abusing the dominant position in a market in Malayisa.</li>
</ul>
<li>The relevant market must be determined (as explained below) to assess whether an undertaking is dominant. An undertaking will not be considered dominant unless it has potential market power. This assessed through various factors such as:</li>
<ul>
<li>i) its market share and the degree of fluctuations in market shares. A market share above 60% is likely to indicate that an undertaking is dominant in the relevant market;</li>
<li>ii) existing competitors in the market whom its customers would be able to go to if it raises its prices, its competitors market share;</li>
<li>iii) barriers that potential competitors would face to enter the market. Lower entry barriers are usually indicate less dominance by the incumbent market players; and</li>
<li>iv) its ability to sustain a long period of sale below cost.</li>
</ul>
<li> an abuse of a dominant position may include:-</li>
<ul>
<li>(a) directly or indirectly imposing unfair price or other unfair trading condition;</li>
<li>(b) limiting or controlling:-</li>
<ul>
<li>(i) production;</li>
<li>(ii) market outlets or market access;</li>
<li>(iii) technical or technological development; or</li>
<li>(iv) investment, to the prejudice of consumers;</li>
</ul>
<li>(c) refusing to supply to a particular enterprise;</li>
<li>(d) applying different conditions to equivalent transactions with other trading parties to an extent that may:-</li>
<ul>
<li>(i) discourage new market entry or expansion or investment by an existing competitor;</li>
<li>(ii) force from the market or otherwise seriously damage an existing competitor which is no less efficient than the enterprise in a dominant position; or</li>
<li>(iii) harm competition in any market in which the dominant enterprise is participating or in any upstream or downstream market;</li>
</ul>
<li>(e) making the conclusion of contract subject to acceptance by other parties of supplementary conditions which by their nature or according to commercial usage have no connection with the subject matter of the contract;</li>
<li>(f) any predatory behavior towards competitors; or</li>
<li>(g) buying up a scarce supply of intermediate goods or resources required by a competitor, in circumstances where the enterprise in a dominant position does not have a reasonable commercial justification for buying up the intermediate goods or resources to meet its own needs.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Exemptions <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
1. Anti-competitive agreement<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
an enterprise which is a party to an agreement may relieve its liability for the infringement of the prohibition based on the following reasons:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
(a) there are significant identifiable technological, efficiency or social benefits directly arising from the agreement;</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
(b) the benefits could not reasonably have been provided by the parties to the agreement without the agreement having the effect of preventing, restricting or distorting competition;</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
(c) the detrimental effect of the agreement on competition is proportionate to the benefits provided; and</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(d) the agreement does not allow the enterprise concerned to eliminate competition completely in respect of a substantial part of the goods or services.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
Individual exemptions:-</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
An enterprise may apply to the Commission for an exemption with respect to a particular agreement from the prohibition for the reason set out above.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Commission may, by order published in the Gazette, grant the exemption if, in the opinion of the Commission, the agreement is one of the reasons set out above.</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
The individual exemption granted by the Commission may be:-</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
(a) subject to any condition or obligation as the Commission considers it appropriate to impose; and</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
(b) for a limited duration as specified in the order.</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
Cancellation or variation of individual exemption</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
If the Commission is satisfied that:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(a) there has been a material change of circumstance since it granted an individual exemption; or<br />
(b) an obligation has been breached,</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
the Commission may, by order published in the Gazette:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(i) cancel the individual exemption;<br />
(ii) vary or remove any condition or obligation; or<br />
(iii) impose additional condition or obligation.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
If the Commission is satisfied that:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(a) the information on which the Commission based its decision to grant an individual exemption is false or misleading in a material particular; or<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(b) any condition has been breached,<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
the Commission may, by order published in the Gazette, cancel the individual exemption.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
An individual exemption which is cancelled:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(a) when there has been a material change of circumstance since it granted an individual exemption, shall be void ab initio; or<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(b) when an obligation has been breached, shall have effect from the date the condition is breached.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Block exemptions:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
the Commission may also, by order published in the Gazette, grant an exemption to the particular category of agreements (the same principle for individual exemptions shall apply for the block exemptions).<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
2. Abuse of Dominant Position:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
An enterprise in a dominant position is allowed to take the necessary step which has reasonable commercial justification or represents a reasonable commercial response to the market entry or market conduct of a competitor.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Exclusions<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
The prohibitions are not applicable to the *matters listed below:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(a) an agreement or conduct to the extent to which it is engaged in an order to comply with a legislative requirement;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(b) collective bargaining activities or collective agreements in respect of employment terms and conditions and which are negotiated or concluded between parties which include both employers and employees or organisations established to represent the interests of employers or employees;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(c) an enterprise entrusted with the operation of services of general economic interest or having the character of a revenue-producing monopoly in so far as the prohibitions would obstruct the performance, in law or in fact, of the particular tasks assigned to that enterprise.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(*The list of exclusions is subject to amendment by the Minister)<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
Determination of infringement by way of market survey </div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
The Commission may, on its own initiative or upon the request of the Minister, conduct a review into any market in order to determine any infringement action in the market.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Investigation and Enforcement <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
1. Investigation by Commission <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
The Commission, shall, upon request by the Minister or may, upon complaints from public or by its own discretion, conduct an investigation in order to determine infringement in the market.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
2. Powers of Investigation</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
a. to require provision of information;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
b. to retain documents;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
c. to access records;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
d. to search and seizure with warrant from Magistrate;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
e. to search and seizure without warrant, if the Commission Officer has reasonable cause to believe that by reason of delay in obtaining a search warrant, the investigation would be adversely affected;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
f. to access to computerized data.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
3. Offences</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
a. Obstruction – refusing access to any premises, assaults, obstructs, hinders or delays the investigation<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
b. Tipping off – revealing information which is likely prejudice any investigation to any other person<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
c. Threat and reprisal <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
d. Giving false or misleading information, evidence or document<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
e. Destruction, concealment, mutilation or alteration of records, etc<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
4. Cost and Damages<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
No person shall, institute any proceedings before any court in respect of any action by Commission during investigation unless such action was made without reasonable cause.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
5. Decision<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
a. interim measures<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Before completion of investigation, the Commission may impose the following directions:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
i) to suspend the effect of, and desist from acting in accordance with, any agreement which is suspected of infringing any prohibition;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
ii) to desist from any conduct which is suspected of infringing any prohibition ; or<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
iii) to do, or refrain from doing, any act, but which shall not require the payment of money,<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
if the Commission considers that it is necessary for it to do so as a matter of urgency for the purpose of:-</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
(I) preventing serious and irreparable damage, economic or otherwise, to a particular person or category of persons; or</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
(II) protecting the public interest. The interim measure is only valid up to the completion of the investigation or twelve (12) months from the direction was given, whichever is earlier.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
b. Upon completion of investigation</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
Findings of Non-Infringement<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Where the Commission has made a decision that there is no infringement of a prohibition under Part II, the Commission shall, without delay, give notice of the decision to any person who is affected by the decision stating the facts on which the Commission bases the decision and the Commission’s reason for making the decision.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
i) Proposed decision, setting out the reason for the decision and penalty must be forwarded by the Commission to the enterprise under complaint;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
ii) the enterprise under complaint may make an oral representation by way of application before the expiry of time period provided in the proposed decision<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
iii) Hearing may be conducted to determine the infringement.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
iv) Decision to be made after completion of investigation, representation or hearing:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
shall require that the infringement to be ceased immediately;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
may specify steps which are required to be taken by the infringing enterprise, which appear to the Commission to be appropriate for bringing the infringement to an end;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
may impose a financial penalty; or<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
may give any other direction as it deems appropriate.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
v) the Commission may initiate proceeding in High Court in the event the enterprise under complaint or any person fails to comply with the Commission’s directions, interim measures or upon completion of investigation provided that the consent of the Public Prosecutor has been obtained.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Privileged communication <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
No person shall be required, under any provision of this Part, to produce or disclose any communication between a professional legal adviser and his client which would be protected from disclosure in accordance with *section 126 of the Evidence Act 1950.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
*126. Professional communications.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(1) No advocate shall at any time be permitted, unless with his client's express consent, to disclose any communication made to him in the course and for the purpose of his employment as such advocate by or on behalf of his client, or to state the contents or condition of any document with which he has become acquainted in the course and for the purpose of his professional employment, or to disclose any advice given by him to his client in the course and for the purpose of such employment:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Provided that nothing in this section shall protect from disclosure -<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(a) any such communication made in furtherance of any illegal purpose;<br />
(b) any fact observed by any advocate in the course of his employment as such showing that any crime or fraud has been committed since the commencement of his employment.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(2) It is immaterial whether the attention of the advocate was or was not directed to the fact by or on behalf of his client.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
If the Commission makes a requirement of an advocate and solicitor in respect of any information or document; and the information or document contains a privileged communication made by or on behalf of or to the advocate and solicitor in his capacity as an advocate and solicitor, the advocate and solicitor is entitled to refuse to comply with the requirement unless the person to whom or by or on behalf of whom the communication was made or, if the person is a body corporate that is under receivership or is in the course of being wound up, the receiver or the liquidator, as the case may be, agrees to the advocate and solicitor complying with the requirement, but where the advocate and solicitor so refuses to comply with the requirement, the advocate and solicitor shall forthwith furnish in writing to the Commission the name and address of the person to whom or by whom the communication was made.</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
Private Civil Actions <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Any person who suffers loss or damage directly as a result of an infringement of any prohibition under CA 2010 shall have a right of action for relief in civil proceedings in a court against any enterprise, which is or which has at the material time been a party to such infringement, regardless of whether such person dealt directly or indirectly with the enterprise.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Lenience regime <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
There shall be a leniency regime, with a reduction of up to a maximum of one hundred percent of any penalties which would otherwise have been imposed, which may be available in the cases of any enterprise which has:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(a) admitted its involvement in an infringement of any prohibition under CA 2010; and<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(b) provided information or other form of co-operation to the Commission which significantly assisted, or is likely to significantly assist, in the identification or investigation of any finding of an infringement of any prohibition by any other enterprises.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
A leniency regime may permit different percentages of reductions to be available to an enterprise depending on:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(a) whether the enterprise was the first person to bring the suspected infringement to the attention of the Commission;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(b) the stage in the investigation at which:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(i) an involvement in the infringement was admitted; or<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
(ii) any information or other co-operation was provided; or</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
(c) any other circumstances which the Commission considers appropriate to have regard to.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
Competition Appeal Tribunal </div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
An Appeal Tribunal needs to be set up to hear appeals by any aggrieved person against the decision of the Commissioner.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Powers of the Appeal Tribunal: <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
a. to summon parties to the proceedings or any other person to attend before it to give evidence in respect of an appeal;<br />
b. to procure and receive evidence on oath or affirmation, whether written or oral, and examine all such persons as witnesses as the Appeal Tribunal considers necessary;<br />
c. to require the production of any information, document or other thing in his possession or under his control of a summoned person which the Appeal Tribunal considers necessary for the purposes of the appeal;<br />
d. to administer any oath, affirmation or statutory declaration, as the case may require;<br />
e. where a person is so summoned, to allow the payment for any reasonable expenses incurred in connection with his attendance;<br />
f. to admit evidence or reject evidence adduced, whether oral or documentary, and whether admissible or inadmissible under the provisions of any written law relating to the admissibility of evidence;<br />
g. generally to direct and do all such matters as may be necessary or expedient for the expeditious decision of the appeal.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
The Appeal Tribunal shall have the powers of a subordinate court with regard to the enforcement of attendance of witnesses, hearing evidence on oath or affirmation and punishment for contempt.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Decision of the Appeal Tribunal<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
The decision, which will be decided, based on majority of the member shall be final and binding.<br />
The Competition Appeal Tribunal may confirm or set aside the decision which is the subject of the appeal, or any part of it, and may:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
(a) remit the matter to the Commission;</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
(b) impose or revoke, or vary the amount of, a financial penalty;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(c) give such direction, or take such other step as the Commission could itself have given or taken; or<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(d) make any other decision which the Commission could itself have made.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
No action, suit, prosecution or other proceedings shall lie or be brought, instituted or maintained in any court against:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
(a) the Competition Appeal Tribunal;<br />
(b) President or any member of the Competition Appeal Tribunal;<br />
(c) the Secretary or any other officer of the Competition Appeal Tribunal; or<br />
(d) any person authorized to act for and on behalf of the Competition Appeal Tribunal, in respect of any act or omission done or omitted by him or it in good faith in such capacity<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Procedure:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
The Tribunal may regulate their own procedure.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
Appeal <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
An appeal shall be made by way of filing Notice of Appeal to the Appeal Tribunal. <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
Filing of Notice of Appeal:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
1. must be made in writing.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
2. filed within thirty (30) days from the date of the decision by the Commissioner.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
3. the appellant shall serve a copy of the Notice of Appeal upon the Commissioner.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
Requirements for Notice of Appeal:</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
1. shall state briefly the substance of the decision of the Commissioner against which the appeal is filed;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
2. contains an address at which any notice or document connected with the appeal may be served on the appellant or his advocate; and <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
3. the Notice shall be signed by the appellant or his advocate.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
Forum of Appeal <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
The Appeal Tribunal shall consists of:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
a President; and <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
between seven and twenty other members appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Minister. <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Composition:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
The appeal proceedings shall be heard and disposed of by three (3) members or such greater uneven number of members of the Tribunal as the President thinks fit.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Penalties <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
1. General penalty – <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Any person who commits an offence under this Act for which no penalty is expressly provided shall, on conviction, be liable:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(a) if such person is a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding five million ringgit, and for a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding ten million ringgit; or<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(b) if such person is not a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding one million ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both, and for a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding two million ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
2. Compounding of offences<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(1) The Minister may, by regulations, prescribe any offence to be a compoundable offence and may prescribe the manner in which offences may be compounded.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(2) The same can be reduced up to fifty per centum with the consent of the Public prosecutor which is subject to cancellation in the event the discounted amount is not paid, resulting in prosecution.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(3) All sums of money received by the Commission under this section shall be paid into the Federal Consolidated Fund.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
SECTION B: AN ANALYSIS OF THE CA 2010<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Implications of the CA 2010 <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Upon its coming into force, the CA 2010 will have a significant impact on industry practices such as in:<br />
<div>
</div>
<ol>
<li>Licensor-Licensee / Franchisor-Franchisee dealings;</li>
<li>Intellectual Property dealings; and</li>
<li>Import and export dealings.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div>
The passing of the Competition Act will significantly change the trade system in Malaysia.</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Some concerns with the CA 2010<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
1. No express provisions in respect the Intellectual Property rights:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
• Issues may arise as to whether the prohibitions imposed are applicable to the intellectual property rights. <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
• The common practice is, the owner of an intellectual property right may impose conditions to his licensee in respect of the licensee’s dealings to safeguard his rights, and this is in contrary to the provisions of CA 2010.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
2. It is not clear whether the general default penalty rule can apply where provisions are silent as whether a violation constitutes an infringement or an offence<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
• According to section 27, the act of an enterprise to refuse access to computerized data is in violation of the competition law. However the act is not defined as an offence or an infringement in the CA 2010. Confusion may arise at this point, especially during the early stage upon the CA 2010 come into force.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
3. No element of merger controls<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
• The CA 2010 has not explained on the merger control laws – a form of regulation adopted by many other countries with competition laws. <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
• The merger control laws, according to the laws introduced in other countries, would require the notifications of regulators of mergers that have anti-competitive effects, which would be subject to clearance before they can proceed. <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
Test to determine contravention </div>
<div>
</div>
<ol>
<li>Is it an agreement? </li>
<li>Is it excluded? </li>
<li>Does it have an anti-competitive effect? </li>
<li>Are there overriding benefits? </li>
<li>Are there applicable exemptions?</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div>
Consequences of non-compliance </div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
1. the adverse reputational impact<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
• A firm faced with an investigation into a competition law infringement will be viewed negatively by investors, employees and other stakeholders.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
2. imposition of large financial penalties<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
• The financial penalty may go up to 10% of global turnover<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
3. Personal Sanctions<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
• Criminal penalties and disqualification as directors to be imposed on employees directly involved in the infringement act.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Proposed measures for compliance with competition law <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
Resale Price maintenance:</div>
<div>
</div>
<ol>
<li>Fixing a maximum resale price;</li>
<li>Obliging a licensee/distributor to offer a minimum discount;</li>
<li>adopting a recommended resale price – provided it is clear that the licensee/distributor is not obliged to stick to it</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div>
Any clause on resale price should make it clear that the licensee is free to set its own price.</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Sample: “The Licensee shall take account of the premium nature of the Products and the Licensor’s worldwide philosophy for the Brands when determining all aspects of the market positioning of the Products, including the retail price at which the recommended retail price for each of the Products in the Territory, provided that the Licensee shall be entirely free to determine the prices, discounts and rebates and any other price allowances at which the Licensor shall market and sell the Products in the Territory.”<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
Exclusivity/non-compete clauses</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
The clause which restricts a distributor’s ability to obtain products from competitors must be avoided in the agreement.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
Territorial restrictions<br />
<div>
</div>
<ol>
<li>Only to prohibit active sales, i.e. direct selling to the end customers, into another exclusive territory;</li>
<li>Permit passive sales (i.e. via internet orders).</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
Sample: “The Licensee shall not actively sell the Products into any territory exclusively reserved to another supplier. Nothing in this clause shall restrict the ability of the Licensee to receive and fulfill unsolicited orders from customers outside the Territory.”</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
Trade Mark Co-existence/delimitations agreements</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
The clauses in the agreement must be clear that the coexistence limitations only exist due to the real likelihood of confusion between the marks – Avoid saying “ the parties believe that there is no likelihood of confusion or conflict between their respective trade marks”;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Communication with competitors on anti-competitive agreements <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<ol>
<li>In any discussion of anti-competitive practices, even silence of one party may be deemed to be approval or consent by that party of the discussion and the planned anti-competitive activities.</li>
<li>Parties in such cases should instead express their firm objection and leave the discussion immediately.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
Contracts with the Suppliers/ Customers</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
The firms shall not impose any irrelevant restrictions or conditions on the suppliers/customers or on the firm itself the on how they conduct their own business where the restriction or conditions are not directly relevant to goods or services acquired from the supplier or provided to the customer.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Bid Rigging agreement, Price discrimination and Tie-in arrangements <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
The act competitors to agree on who should win a tender, the practice of selling the same product to different customers at different prices without reasonable commercial justification and the sale of one good with condition on the purchase of another good must be avoided.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
In-house Competition Law Compliance Committee<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
The enterprises may set up an in-house committee, led by senior management to ensure the compliance with CA 2010. The in house committee shall be responsible to advise the organization in all activities which relates to competition elements. The committee may create full awareness of competition law among the employees by way of:<br />
<div>
</div>
<ol>
<li>Conducting Competition Law training to the staffs/employees;</li>
<li>Providing questionnaire from time to time, aimed at testing the employees’ knowledge f the requirements of the CA 2010 under various scenarios;</li>
<li>Providing detailed rules and procedures to provide guidance on everyday business activities and decisions which may be affected by the requirements of competition law;</li>
<li>Involving in the process of review and clearance of commercial agreements, clearance for memberships of trade associations, procedures for dealing with incidences of non-compliance and whistle-blowing hotlines;</li>
<li>Monitoring sales and procurement processes;</li>
<li>Reviewing the unwritten practice that the firm may have in place with other firms, any unwritten conditions that the firm may impose on prospective dealing and any reasons given for not dealing with another firm.</li>
<li>Liaise with the Competition Commission to provide guidelines on the prospective agreements or any other required clarifications.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Conclusion </div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(a) The scope, obligations and rights provided under the CA 2010 can only be more clearly defined once a set of regulations, guidelines, codes of practices and judicial decisions are made. Nevertheless, it is suggested for organizations to review their current policies and make necessary changes to other processes, contractual obligations and third party transactions which involve or may involve competition elements.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(b) The important highlights of the CA 2010 is shown in the table below:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Competition Act 2010 (to be enforced on Jan 1, 2012)<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Some of the main provisions include:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Prohibitions against anti-competitive agreements<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Prohibition against abuses by dominant players<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Power to conduct market reviews<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
Examples of prohibited practices includes:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Anti-competitive agreements <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
Price-fixing<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
competitors agree to fix, control or maintain price of goods and services <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Market allocation <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
competitors divide customers geographically, or by customer type and sell only to their allotted customers <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Bid-rigging agreement <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
competitors agree on who should win a tender <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Limiting production <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
profit maximization by limiting or controlling its supply<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Tie-in arrangements <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
the sale of one good is conditional on the purchase of another good <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Exclusive dealing <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
imposition of unfair trading terms such as exclusivity<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Abuse of dominant position<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
Price discrimination <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
the practice of selling the same product to different customers at different customers at different prices without reasonable commercial justification<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Excessive pricing<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Predatory pricing <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
practice of selling a product or service at a very low price, with the intention to drive out competitors or create barriers to entry for potential new competitors.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
SECTION C: KEY CONCEPTS IN COMPETITION LAW <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
The Policy on Competition Law is based on the following key concepts that a business would have to understand:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<ul>
<li>Market definition</li>
<li>The relevant market</li>
<li>Market power</li>
<li>Predatory behavior</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Market definition<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Market definition is important because it provides a framework within which to assess the critical question of whether a firm or firms possess market power. It is necessary to define all the products on the demand side that buyers regards as reasonable substitutes for the product under investigation (“focal products”) then to identify all the sellers who supply the focal and substitute products or their potential suppliers.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
The relevant market<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
The relevant market is determined by the market definition. It is all the products on the demand side that buyers regard as reasonable substitutes for the product under investigation and all the sellers who supply focal and substitute products or their potential suppliers. There is an addition to what products comprise the market, the geographical are of the market to be considered. Therefore, consideration must be given to both the product market and the geographic market.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Market power<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Market power is more likely to exist if the undertaking has persistently high market share. In assessing market power, the following factors maybe considered:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(d) High entry barriers will prevent competitors from joining the market;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(e) Successful innovation of the undertaking giving rise to persistent high market share; and<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(f) Product differentiation because other products in the market may not be close substitutes, etc.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Predatory behavior <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Predatory behavior is exploitive or high-handed tactics employed by a dominant firm for the purpose of unfairly suppressing competitors. Examples of predatory behavior are excessively low prices (even below costs) and intention to eliminate a competitor or prevent entry into the market by potential competitors.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Factors in determining if behavior is predatory include:-<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(g) When sale price is below the average variable cost of production (i.e. a loss for each unit of production), in the absence of an objective justification. The justification could be loss leading, short run promotions especially for new products;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(h) Where the price is above the average variable cost of production but below average total cost of production, other evidence to be considered may include evidence of intention to harm competition;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(i) Price above the average total cost of production does not indicate predation;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(j) Absence of any benefits in having such low prices;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(k) Discount schemes which have the effect of harming competition e.g. where discounts are conditional upon buyers making all or a large proportion of their purchases from the dominant undertaking (fidelity discounts) or where conditional on the purchase of tied products;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(l) Applying dissimilar conditions to equivalent transactions with other trading parties thereby placing them at a competitive disadvantage e.g. price discrimination or difference in service quality;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(m) Limiting production, markets and technical development to the prejudice of consumers;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(n) Making the conclusion of contracts subject to acceptance by the other parties of supplementary obligations which by their nature or according to commercial usage, have no connection with the subject of such contracts; and<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(o) Refusal to supply by a major producer with no objective justification if it causes substantial harm to competition.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
SECTION D: COMPETITION COMMISSION ACT 2010 (Act 713) (“CCA 2010”).<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
COMPETITION COMMISSION<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
The CCA 2010 is enacted to provide for the establishment of the Competition Commission, to set out the powers and functions of such Commission, and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. As with most commissions in Malaysia, the Competition Commission has extensive powers to conduct investigations, request for information, conduct searches and seizures, issue interim measures whilst investigating (please see above).<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
STATUS<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Passed by Parliament: 26 April 2010.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Date of Royal Assent: 2 June 2010.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Date of publication in the Federal Government Gazette: 10 June 2010.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
In force from: 1 January 2012<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
MEMBERSHIP – COMMISSION AND COMMISSION OFFICERS<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
• The Competition Commission shall comprise a President, four government representatives, one of whom shall be a representative of the Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism and between three to five other members who have experience and knowledge in business, industry and consumer protection. <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
• Appointment and power of Commission Officers<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
The Commission may appoint such number of Commission officers as it considers necessary to exercise the powers provided under the competition laws.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
For purposes of an investigation under the competition laws, the Commission may appoint its employee or any other person to be a Commission officer.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
A Commission officer who is not an employee of the Commission shall be subject to obligations of secrecy, and shall enjoy protection and indemnity as may be specified in this Act or other written law applicable to an employee of the Commission, as the case may be.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
A Commission officer shall have all the powers necessary to carry out inspection and investigation of any offence or infringement under the competition laws.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
The Commission shall have such functions as specified under the competition laws, including but not limited to:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(a) to advise the Minister or any other public or regulatory authority on all matters concerning competition;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(b) to alert the Minister to the actual or likely anti-competitive effects of current or proposed legislation and to make recommendations to the Minister, if appropriate, for the avoidance of these effects;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(c) to advise the Minister on international agreements relevant to competition matters and to the competition laws;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(d) to implement and enforce the provisions of the competition laws;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(e) to issue guidelines in relation to the implementation and enforcement of the competition laws;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(f) to act as an advocate for competition matters;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(g) to carry out, as it considers appropriate, general studies in relation to issues connected with competition in the Malaysian economy or particular sectors of the Malaysian economy;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(h) to collect information for the performance of the Commission's functions;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(i) to publish, and otherwise raise awareness among persons engaged in commerce or trade and among the public of, information concerning the competition laws and the manner in which the Commission will carry out its functions under the competition laws;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(j) to inform and educate the public regarding the ways in which competition may benefit consumers in, and the economy of, Malaysia;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(k) to consider and make recommendations to the Minister on reforms to the competition laws; and<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(l) to carry on such activities and do such things as are necessary or advantageous and proper for the administration of the Commission.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
POWERS OF THE COMMISSION</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
The Commission shall have the power to do all things necessary or expedient for or in connection with the performance of its functions under the competition laws including but not limited to <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(a) to utilize all the movable and immovable property of the Commission in such manner as the Commission may think expedient, including the raising of loans by mortgaging such property;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(b) to impose penalty for the infringement of the provisions of the competition laws;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(c) to impose fees or charges for services rendered by the Commission;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(d) to appoint such agents, experts or consultants as it deems fit to assist the Commission in the performance of its functions;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(e) to grant loans, scholarships and advances to its employees for such purposes and on such terms as the Commission may determine or as may be approved by the Minister;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(f) to pay remuneration, allowances and other expenses of the members of the Commission;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(g) to formulate and implement programmes for the proper and effective performance of the Commission's functions, including programmes for human resource development, funding and co-operation;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(h) to co-operate with any body corporate or government agency for the purpose of performing the Commission's functions;<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(i) to require the furnishing of information by enterprises to assist the Commission in the performance of its functions; and<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
(j) to do anything incidental to any of its functions and powers.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
MINISTER’S DIRECTION<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
The Commission which is responsible to the Minister shall comply with the directions of the Minister which is given of a general character, consistent with the provisions of the competition laws, relating to the performance of the functions and powers of the Commission.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
COMPETITION COMMISSION FUND<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
The Fund shall consist of all monies received by the Commission under the CCA 2010, including but not limited the penalties paid by the infringers or offenders under CA 2010.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
PREPARATION IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ENACTMENT OF THE CCA 2010<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
All things done by any person or authority on behalf of the Commission in the preparation of and towards the proper implementation or administration of the CCA 2010, and any expenditure incurred in relation thereto, in anticipation of the enactment of the CCA 2010 shall be deemed to have been authorized by the CCA 2010, and all rights acquired or obligations incurred on behalf of the Commission from anything so done shall upon the coming into operation of the CCA 2010 be deemed to be the rights and obligations of the Commission.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
METHOD OF PUBLICATION <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Where the Commission is given power to publish, or is required to publish, a direction, guidance, withdrawal, clearance, nomination or other decision or document under the competition laws, such publication may be by electronic means in such manner as is likely to make it reasonably accessible to any person wishing to view it, and publication of a document by that method shall be effective for all purposes under CCA 2010.<br />
<br />
For more information, contact us at: <a href="mailto:malaysia@mirandah.com">malaysia@mirandah.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0