Search results for

The Singapore Network Information Centre (SGNIC) will offer second level domain names (SLDs) from January 3 2005. Until now, Singapore has only allowed registration of third level domain names (TLDs) such as name.com.sg. SLDs are shorter domain names (name.sg) and their introduction gives the public greater choice and more avenues to register .sg domain names. The move mirrors that of Hong Kong, the US, China and Japan, which saw strong uptake for SLDs following their introduction.

Nobel-prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz has served in both the White House and at the World Bank. His time in government helped to convince him that too much IP protection is bad for the economy. He explains why to Sam Mamudi

From October 1 trade mark owners around the world can designate an additional 25 countries in one go on their Madrid application. Stéphanie Bodoni looks at what the change will mean for trade mark applicants and agents, as well the offices administering the system

China recently announced two measures to tackle the problem of counterfeiting. In a press conference on September 6, China's State Intellectual Property Office announced that the Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate have drafted a new Judicial Interpretation that will lower the thresholds for bringing criminal action against IP infringement in China. This is to be issued by the end of this year, once it has been approved. The threshold is presently set at Rmb 500,000 and Rmb 100,000 for corporate and individual offenders respectively. In addition, the Interpretation will include guidelines for punishing online copyright infringement and other infringing activities such as transporting, storing and distributing infringing goods.

Congress last year passed an amendment to the copyright law that has had a significant impact on some entertainment industries.

While eager to do business in China, many foreign investors remain concerned about the lack of protection and enforcement of IP rights. In a special roundtable debate organized by MIP, leading figures discuss how to succeed and what needs to change in the country

Asia is increasingly asserting itself as a place that can generate and exploit its own intellectual property. Governments across the region are becoming more and more aware that long term economic success depends on developing intellectual capital and stimulating ideas, rather than simply offering cheap manufacturing facilities for foreign inventors to turn their own designs into final products.

Malaysian intellectual property law is in a transitional phase. But recent legal developments show the government is serious about helping IP owners to protect their assets and spurring domestic innovation. Haslyna Hashim and AJ Surin explain what officials have been doing to make Malaysia more attractive to businesses that rely heavily on intellectual property

India presents an enormous opportunity, as well as a substantial challenge, to intellectual property owners. The past few years have seen major economic and legislative changes following accession to the WTO. Ranjan Narula, Rachna Bakhru and Rahul Sethi analyze some recent judicial and legislative changes and outline preventive measures that IP owners can take

Applications for patent and trade mark registrations can reveal much about a country's economy and its leading IP players as well as raising questions about how its intellectual property offices will cope with surges in demand. Emma Barraclough examines some trends across the region