We are pleased to share with you that KASS has been voted, for three consecutive years, as one of the top IP firms in Malaysia (2006, 2007 & 2008) through external surveys conducted by “Managing Intellectual Property” magazine, a reputable Euromoney Publication, U.K. and has also been ranked as one of the top IP firms in Malaysia by“Chambers & Partners, U.K.”.
Adoption of Malaysian Technology Overseas
Nehemiah Reinforced Soil Sdn. Bhd. a market leader in the design, supply and construction of retaining wall systems held its first International Conference on 7th November 2008. The company is actively involved in product and process innovation and has several patents and industrial design registrations. KASS International is proud to be associated with the company which does not fail to tap on the expertise of KASS International in acquiring appropriate intellectual property rights.
Mr. P. Kandiah, the Managing Director of KASS International gave a presentation on IP Rights to the International delegates at the Conference.
Patent Maintenance Services
Patent offices require the maintenance of granted patents (in some countries even pending applications) by the payment by annuity fees on the anniversary date of grant. Failure to pay by the deadline may result in loss of patent rights in that country.
KASS International provides a worry free patent annuity payment service
Timely Reminder
Unless a firm has a well managed in-house patent department, often the deadline is missed. In most times no senior person is in-charge of annuity payments.
Leave your worry behind. KASS, we send regular reminders of the impending deadline giving you ample time to decide whether you should maintain the patent or abandon it.
Our Principal Appointed as “Expert Advisory Programme” Managed by SMIDEC
Our Principal and CEO, Mr. P. Kandiah has been appointed as an expert in the “Expert Advisory Programme”, managed by the Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) of Malaysia.
The firm is honored to have our CEO recognised and appointed on to the panel of experts. The appointment involves the provision of consultancy services and advising SMIs in the development of business capable of competing in Malaysia and in the global market.
With the aggressive push by SMIDEC, we expect more and more SMIs making use of this service in order to reach the corporate targets.
KASS Wins Another IP Battle in Court
WHAT’S IN A DESIGN?
KASS registered a series of Industrial Designs in respect of shape and configuration of an anchorage lug (brackets) used in earth retention wall mounting system for a leading civil engineering firm in Malaysia.
Contested Design
All the designs were registered by the Malaysian Intellectual Property Office (MyIPO) under Registration No.: MY 03-00185
A competitor of clients challenged the validity of registration of one of the industrial designs on various grounds. After hearing the arguments on both sides, MyIPO ruled the design registration was valid.
KASS Launches Patent Search Services
KASS is pleased to announce to all its valued customers that it has now expanded its range of services in the Intellectual Property field. It is now providing patent search services. Patent Searches are effective tools to obtain answers to specific technical questions.
Our guiding principles – quality, customised research
KASS Patent Search Services
Patent Database contains a huge volume of technology documents, in the form of patent descriptions and drawings. There are several categories of patent descriptions published namely
- patent applications awaiting grant of patent
- granted patents which are still subsisting
- granted patents which have expired or abandoned
These documents can be searched and identified for one’s own specific needs.
New Changes in European Patent Cost Structure
More and more businesses today are looking to expand their trade to European countries. However, the high costs associated with doing so have made business owners somewhat reluctant to take on Europe. This mindset looks set to shift this year, as a significant change in the cost structure for European patents will be introduced, bringing with it some good and some not-so-good news.
The “London Agreement” that came into force on May 1st 2008 brought with it a favourable change, causing a number of European countries to no longer require a translation of patents or only require a translation of the claims. This means that Germany and France, for example, will no longer require translations at all, whereas countries such as the Netherlands will only require a translation of the claims of the patent.
R.I.P. Domain Name Tasting
In July 2008, Internet Incorporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced a new resolution, effectively ending domain name tasting. Domain name tasting is the act of registering domains, observing the traffic and hits to the registered domains and then deleting a mass quantity of unwanted domain names.
Domain name tasting when at first, seemed harmless, became a problem when the practice led to an increase of cyber squatters.
Previously, ICANN permitted domain name registrars to cancel an unlimited number of domain name registrations at no cost, so long as the domains were cancelled within five days of registration.
You Can Now Claim Convention Priority in Thailand
We are pleased to report to you that the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand has ratified accession to the Paris Convention on 10 January 2008. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs deposited the instrument of accession to the Paris Convention on 2 May 2008 and the Paris Convention will be binding on Thailand as of 2 August 2008.
Accordingly, all Thai patent, trademark and design applications filed on or after 2 August 2008 will enjoy the priority claim from any corresponding foreign applications filed in a Paris Convention member state as long as the corresponding foreign applications were filed on or after 2 August 2007 (for patent applications) and on or after 2 February 2008 (for trademark and design applications).