Geographical Indication

Geographical indication is an indication which identifies any goods as originating in a country or territory, or a region or locality in that country or territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the goods is essentially attributable to their geographical origin. It can be used on natural or agricultural product or any product of handicraft or industry. It is governed by the Geographical Indications Act 2000.

No individual person may apply for the rights of a Geographical Indication unless he is the person who is carrying on an activity as a producer in the geographical area, or such competent authority, or trade organization or association.

A registered geographical indication is given 10 (ten) years of protection from the date of filling and is renewable for every 10 (ten) years.

Common Misconceptions - Patent

If I get a patent, I have a right to use and sell the product.

A patent excludes others from making, using, or selling the patented product. It does not give you the right to use, make, or sell a product.

What Does This Mean?

You can stop others from making, using, and selling your patented product so that others can be excluded from competing with you.

If I have a patent here it is then protected anywhere in the world.

Patent is only enforceable after it is granted, and only in the jurisdiction where it is granted.

Why?

Patent protection is territorial in nature although Patent filing can be done internationally via international treaties such as Patent Corporation Treaty (PCT) or Paris Convention.

I can always reapply if my patent lapses.

A patent application is only valid if filed before any public disclosure of the invention is made. Any subsequent patent applications can be filed in other countries within 12 months from the filing date. After that 12 months, subsequent patent applications to protect the same invention would be considered invalid because the invention is deemed publicly disclosed.

How Else Can I Protect My Patent?

It depends on that particular national law that allows reinstatement of lapsed patents.

Common Misconceptions - Copyright

I can simply post a copy to myself as proof of copyright.

Your own evidence is not acceptable in Court as it can be faked and the contents be swapped.

What Can I Do?

Ensure proof of copyright meet the respective countries’ law and requirements. For example, execute a Statutory Declaration etc.

Everything on the Internet is ‘public domain’ and free to use

Work published on the internet may be ‘Publicly Accessible’, but it may not mean that the work falls under ‘Public Domain’ category.

How Is It Not Free?

Only copyright that expires with many years after the death of the author will be considered ‘Public Domain’ and entitle you to free use.

I can claim someone’s work as my own if I change it

Any adaptation is legally considered as ‘derived work’ and it will still be considered as their work.

What can Happen?

You may be sued for copyright infringement as it is not your original work but a derivative work from copying or modifying without the owner’s permission.

Common Misconceptions - Trademark

My logo/brand is already mine if it is recognised by everyone.

You do not own the logo/brand by law if you do not register them.

What Can Happen?

You will be sued for using other people’s mark.
You cannot use your own brand anymore.
You are marketing for other people’s brand similar with yours.

I don’t plan to go big. Who would copy ?

If you don’t register, you will never own your own brand.

Who would copy?

Your competitor or rival who likes your logo.
Foreign companies will copy your mark by registering it locally.

My business is still small. There’s no need to register.

Your trademark is actually your asset and your business that can make money.

How?

You can license and franchise your mark only after registration.
You can expand your business only if you have a legitimate brand through registration.

I have already registered my company name and business. No one can use my business name.

Your business brand name will not be protected under Trademark Act even if your company name is registered under Companies Act.

Why?

Other companies can ride on your goodwill and make use of your brand name even though they don’t have company name.

A TM mark on a logo is already good protection and recognition.

TM marks are subject to opposition and not protected fully.

How?

You may lose your mark during opposition.
You only own your mark with the ® logo and
can sue others upon registration.

The logo/brand is already registered overseas, why should I do the same here?

There is no one registration fit to all countries, but only on that country you register.

What can I do?

We can have one international filing and later register separately in several countries for protection.