Good news to inventors who want to own a European patent. London agreement is set to cut post grant translation cost which usually takes up to 40% of the entire cost to own a European patent.
Previously, in other to enforce an European patent, the patent document needs to be translated into the national language of the countries concerned. Imagine paying for the cost of translation of patent documents for eight European languages. If the London Agreement is enforced in 2008, than the patent document in the official language of EPO, which is English, French or German is sufficient to have extensive protection in Europe. Patent holders will benefit from significant savings in translation cost. For more information, please refer Patent Information News Issue 4/2007 by EPO.
Patents, trademarks and copyright are integral parts of intellectual property that form intangible assets in our daily life. IP matters from Malaysia and the world are shared here.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Origins of Ketchup and Kicap
Tomato sauce is popularly known as ketchup. According to Wikipedia:
"Originally this sauce was made out of pickled fish. It originated in Eastern Asia; the word ketchup is used in Chinese, Malay and Indonesian (e.g., kecap manis - traditional spelling 'kitjap manis'). English and Dutch sailors brought the Asian ketchup to Europe, where many flavourings, such as mushrooms, anchovies and nuts, were added to the basic fish sauce."
Ketchup does not necessary means tomato sauce. Ketchup may refer to a general term for sauce. Sauce in Malay is called 'kicap'. It is typically made of mushrooms or fish brine with herbs and spices. Mushroom ketchup is still available in some countries. Now the term 'kicap' is mainly used for thin sauce.
Ketchup is a Cantonese term where 'ke' means tomato and 'tchup' means sauce. It was reported that Kuala Lumpur was once the main hub for manufacturing ketchup. The factories were located at Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown.
"Originally this sauce was made out of pickled fish. It originated in Eastern Asia; the word ketchup is used in Chinese, Malay and Indonesian (e.g., kecap manis - traditional spelling 'kitjap manis'). English and Dutch sailors brought the Asian ketchup to Europe, where many flavourings, such as mushrooms, anchovies and nuts, were added to the basic fish sauce."
Ketchup does not necessary means tomato sauce. Ketchup may refer to a general term for sauce. Sauce in Malay is called 'kicap'. It is typically made of mushrooms or fish brine with herbs and spices. Mushroom ketchup is still available in some countries. Now the term 'kicap' is mainly used for thin sauce.
Ketchup is a Cantonese term where 'ke' means tomato and 'tchup' means sauce. It was reported that Kuala Lumpur was once the main hub for manufacturing ketchup. The factories were located at Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown.
Top 10 Greatest Invention Ever
Found the following article on the Top 10 Greatest Invention by Softpedia. I had a laugh learning about the inventions, especially the one that made the number one spot. Guess what is it?
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Top-10-Greatest-Inventions-Ever-50819.shtml
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Top-10-Greatest-Inventions-Ever-50819.shtml
Sunday, November 25, 2007
International Halal Mark
Muslims in US are organizing an online petition for International Halal mark. Details can be viewed at http://www.petitiononline.com/halal/
Can Malaysia license its Halal mark worldwide?
Can Malaysia license its Halal mark worldwide?
Patent Search Tutorial
Found this informative video to search US patent. It also briefly introduces the format of a patent specification.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Distinguishing Invention and Design
Occasionally, I get questions to explain the difference between invention and design. Both invention and design are used widely to refer new product or new technology. However, from a technical point of view invention and design are two separate concepts. Invention refers to functional aspect of a product while design refers to visual aspect of a product. Invention of a new product or new technology may refer to one of the following criteria:
1. new physical feature.
2. new combination or arrangement of old feature.
3. new use of an old feature.
Shoppers used to hand carry baskets which can carry small amount of goods. Goodman introduced a shopping trolley (or cart), which is a large wire basket with wheels, so that shoppers can buy more goods without being burdened by the weight of the goods. He introduced a new way for people to shop. He introduced a new function for a large basket with wheels. The shopping trolley is an invention.
The shape, configuration, pattern or ornamental aspect of an article is referred as design. Since the shopping trolley has new visual appeal than it is also considered a new design.
1. new physical feature.
2. new combination or arrangement of old feature.
3. new use of an old feature.
Shoppers used to hand carry baskets which can carry small amount of goods. Goodman introduced a shopping trolley (or cart), which is a large wire basket with wheels, so that shoppers can buy more goods without being burdened by the weight of the goods. He introduced a new way for people to shop. He introduced a new function for a large basket with wheels. The shopping trolley is an invention.
The shape, configuration, pattern or ornamental aspect of an article is referred as design. Since the shopping trolley has new visual appeal than it is also considered a new design.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Malaysia's Most Valuable Brands
Local financial institutions lead the Malaysia's Most Valuable Brands conducted by global brand consultancy, Interbrand. Maybank led the pack valued at RM9.6 billion. Public Bank at second place is valued at RM6.9 billion, CIMB at sixth place is valued at RM3.4 billion and Hong Leong at eighth place is valued at RM3.1 billion. Telecommunications institution are also highly valued in the study. Maxis is third valued at RM5.3 billion, Celcom is fifth valued at RM4.1 billion and Digi is tenth at RM2.1 billion. Gaming giant Genting is fourth, valued at RM4.6 billion and entertainment network Astro is seventh, valued at RM3.3 billion. Auto car maker Perodua is valued ninth with RM 2.4 billion, indicating Malaysia's success with Myvi. The valuation involves public disclosed audited accounts, hence privately owned brand is not included in the valuation.
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