Jollibee Food Corporation (JFC), widely known as Jollibee, is the largest fast food chain in the Philippines. From its modest inception in the late 1970s, it has grown into a multinational corporation, hailed by the Economist as South-East Asia’s answer to McDonalds.[1] Continue reading “Jollibee’s recipe for growth: creating and protecting your brand in South-East Asia” »
Several weeks ago, New Balance Trading (China) – the Chinese affiliate of US sports footwear brand, New Balance – was ordered by a Guangzhou court to pay RMB98 million in compensation (equivalent to approximately EUR14.3 million), and to publicly apologise to Chinese businessman, Mr Yuelin Zhou, for trademark infringement. The trade mark in question was “新百伦”, or “Xin Bai Lun”, a Chinese transliteration of “New Balance”. This case serves as a sharp reminder of how vital it is for foreign brands to register a Chinese trade mark in China, and how cutting corners may result in high financial penalties later down the line. Continue reading “Marking Your Territory: Choosing a Trade Mark in China” »
This month, Cambodia became the fourth ASEAN country – after Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines – to formally implement the Madrid System for the international registration of trade marks.[1] Continue reading “Cambodia Strengthens IP Protection” »
Recently the Helpdesk team has been made aware of three new online tools developed by IP professionals to address IP protection challenges. These practical resources provide European SMEs and intermediary organisation improved information on three key aspects of IPR protection in China: Continue reading “New IP Tools” »
After nearly 20 years on the United States’ watch list of countries with intellectual property (IP) concerns, the Philippines was removed from the list last year and have managed to keep off it for the second consecutive year. Continue reading “Philippines off the US IP watch list” »
