Trade Marks

We handle all aspects of trademark protection across Asia - from searches and filings to enforcement and portfolio management. Our local teams and regional IP expertise ensure optimal trademark strategies for every market.

Frequently Asked Questions

  Protection of Well Known Trade marks Madrid Registrations Enforceable First to File Jurisdiction Opposition Proceedings Possible Non-use Period For Cancellation Custom Recordals Possible
China Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Hong Kong Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Taiwan Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Macao Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Vietnam Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Singapore Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Japan Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Philippines Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
South Korea Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Thailand Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
United Arab Emirates Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
India Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Pakistan Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Sri Lanka Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Kazakhstan Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Uzbekistan Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Iraq Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Iran Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
North Korea Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Nepal Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Myanmar Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Mongolia Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Armenia Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Georgia Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Tajikistan Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Kyrgyzstan Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Republic of Maldives Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Azerbaijan Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Palestine Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Laos Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Brunei Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Cambodia Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Turkmenistan Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Yemen Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Jordan Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Saudi Arabia Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Qatar Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Kuwait Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Bahrain Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Syria Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Lebanon Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Israel Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Oman Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Afghanistan Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Malaysia Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Bangladesh Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Timor-Leste Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Cyprus Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
Palestine Yes Yes No No 3 Years Yes
FAQs
Trade Mark Information
  • Q
    Availability of electronic trademark searches in Asia?
    A

    China/Japan/Korea have sophisticated online databases. India's search is free but unreliable. Developing countries (Cambodia, Laos) still rely on manual searches. Most systems provide English interfaces.

  • Q
    What trademark classification systems are used in Asian countries?
    A
    Most Asian countries adopt the Nice Classification system, with China, Japan and South Korea using the 11th edition. Some jurisdictions like India and Indonesia have additional sub-classifications. ASEAN members are working towards harmonizing their classification systems.
  • Q
    What international trademark agreements apply in Asia?
    A
    Key agreements include the Madrid Protocol (accepted by China, Japan, Korea etc.) and TRIPS Agreement. Notable exceptions include Taiwan which isn't WIPO member but has its own multilateral agreements. Regional systems like ASEAN TM systems are developing.
  • Q
    What types of trademarks are registrable in Asia?
    A
    Beyond conventional marks, China accepts sound marks, Japan allows position marks, while Singapore recognizes hologram marks. Non-traditional marks like color/scent marks face more challenges in developing Asian markets.
Patent Information
  • Q
    Requirements for PCT national phase entry in Asia?
    A

    Standard documents: 1) PCT publication 2) International Search Report 3) Amendments (if any). China requires full Chinese translation within 30 months. Japan/Korea allow 30-month entry with English applications. India has strict biological material deposit requirements.

Registered Design Information
  • Q
    Documents needed for design owner name changes in Asia?
    A
    • Certified copy of name change certificate (company registry extract for corporations).
    • China requires official Chinese translation with notarization.
    • India mandates Form 22 submission with supporting evidence.
    • Japan/Korea processes are efficient (4-6 weeks) with bilingual forms.
    • No government fees for name changes in Singapore and Malaysia.

What We Do

What We Do

We provide comprehensive intellectual property protection and enforcement services across Asia, helping clients safeguard their rights through strategic solutions tailored to each market. Our team combines legal expertise with deep regional knowledge to deliver effective results.

 

From trademark oppositions and patent litigation to anti-counterfeiting actions and dispute resolution, we handle all aspects of IP enforcement. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients in high-profile cases, setting precedents across multiple Asian jurisdictions.

 

Beyond enforcement, we offer proactive monitoring and risk management to protect your IP assets. Whether through litigation, negotiation, or alternative dispute resolution, we develop cost-effective strategies aligned with your business objectives in Asia.

Our Team

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