43 Asian Legal Business | December 2024 tools for IP rights holders in India. His influence extends to cutting-edge areas of IP law, as evidenced by his work in the Pioneer Overseas Corporation Case, which paved the way for DNA testing in plant variety disputes. In recent years, Anand has continued to break new ground. In a high-profile case involving the Japan Patent Office (JPO), he successfully secured an interim injunction against a company misusing the JPO’s logo. The Delhi High Court’s observation that this act was “akin to theft in a police station” underscores the gravity of IP infringement even against regulatory bodies. Anand’s representation of Nokia in its dispute with Oppo led to India’s first pro tem security order, setting a global precedent in SEP FRAND disputes. This landmark decision was upheld by the Supreme Court. Mila Federis of Federis & Associates has emerged as a formidable force in the Philippines’ intellectual property arena. Her expertise spans the full spectrum of IP law, from trademark and patent prosecution to enforcement and litigation. Federis has been at the forefront of shaping IP practice in the country, adapting to the digital age while upholding traditional IP principles. Known for her strategic approach to IP protection, Federis has successfully represented numerous multinational corporations in high-stakes disputes. Her work has been particularly notable in securing landmark rulings that have redefined the landscape of IP law in the Philippines. One of her most significant achievements was obtaining a Supreme Court ruling that established the primacy of first registration in good faith over first use in good faith for trademark ownership. This decision, involving the “ZYNAPSE” mark, compelled a review of the Intellectual Property Code’s intent and overturned previous precedents. Federis’ expertise extends to complex litigation matters, as evidenced by her recent successes for Universal City Studios. In one case, she successfully defended against a cancellation petition for the “Universal Records” mark, highlighting the importance of maintaining trademark registrations. In another, she secured the cancellation of a “Fast and Furious” mark registered by a third party, reinforcing the protection of well-known marks against bad faith registrations. Her international experience, gained from working in a U.S. law firm, has provided Federis with a global perspective on IP issues. This crossborder expertise has proven invaluable in managing multinational IP portfolios and coordinating international trademark disputes. Federis’ contributions extend beyond her legal practice; she is actively involved in professional organisations, regularly contributing to International Trademark Association (INTA) publications and participating in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation IP rights consultations. Brought to you by Drew & Napier LLC A conversation with Tony Yeo Congratulations on being named one of the ALB Top 15 IP Lawyers for 2024. What recent case or achievement do you consider most significant in your career, and how has it impacted your approach to IP law? The case, IIa Technologies vs Element Six was technically, legally and factually, the most complex I have ever handled. The case spanned over 7 years, requiring us to work with experts and lawyers from various jurisdictions. Despite initial setbacks in the High Court decision, my team and I persevered, leaving no stone unturned and explored all possible areas to present the strongest possible appeal. best support with my team at Drew & Napier. Together with the Ministry of Law and IPOS, we form a tripartite framework ensuring our IP laws are current, our registration system is efficient and applicant-friendly, and our IP prosecution and enforcement advice are world-class. With the rise of AI-generated content, how are you advising clients on protecting their intellectual property in this new landscape? AI will be a significant part of our lives for the next decade or more. Copyright laws, which, up to recently, have taken a backseat to patent and trade mark laws in Singapore, will become a key focus. Understanding how our Copyright Act works for AI-generated contents will be a major development in IP law globally, including Singapore. Over the past year and into the new year, we have and will continue to take steps to raise client awareness on how copyright laws affect AI-generated content, highlighting both advantages and potential disadvantages, and offering strategies to mitigate any risks. The Singapore Court of Appeal eventually ruled in our client’s favour in 2023. What opened my eyes was how the Singapore Court of Appeal comprehensively analysed the complex technology involved, covering material sciences, physics, chemistry and mathematics, to deliver a very significant decision. This experience has invigorated me and my team to make the impossible, possible. Singapore has been positioning itself as an IP hub in Asia. How do you see this initiative evolving, and what role do you play in supporting this vision? The Ministry of Law and IPOS have been at the forefront of making Singapore, the IP hub of Asia. Our laws are regularly updated to keep up with the latest technology and legal developments. For instance, the latest Copyright Act amendments introduced computational data analysis and data mining exceptions, making Singapore one of only two countries (along with Japan) with such forward-looking AI laws. IPOS remains one of the top IP offices in Asia. As an IP practitioner, my role is to provide the Tony Yeo Managing Director, Intellectual Property; Director, Dispute Resolution; Head, Healthcare & Life Sciences tony.yeo@drewnapier.com Drew & Napier LLC www.drewnapier.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA0NzE4Mw==