Guide to Understanding Certification Marks in Hong Kong SAR What is a Certification Mark? A certification mark is a specialized category of trademark used to guarantee that a product or service meets specific defined standards. It certifies key attributes including: Origin: e.g., made in Scotland. Materials or Ingredients: e.g., whisky made exclusively from malted barley. Manufacturing Process: e.g., distilled and matured strictly according to legal regulations. Quality or Performance: e.g., meeting minimum aging and maturation
Safeguarding Intellectual Property: Trademark Ownership After Company Dissolution in Hong Kong vs. Singapore When a business winds down or is struck off the registry, intellectual property (IP) is frequently overlooked. While physical inventory, bank accounts, and real estate are carefully liquidated or distributed, valuable intangible assets like registered trademarks are often forgotten. Under the corporate laws of both Hong Kong and Singapore, once a company is formally dissolved, any remaining undistributed assets—including trademark rights—may become
Protect Your Brand in Southeast Asia: First-to-File Determines Who Owns the Rights What is the First-to-File Rule? In many Southeast Asian countries, trademark rights go to the first person to register, even if someone else has been using the brand longer. Act early—protect what’s yours! Early registration safeguards your brand against copycats, legal disputes, and missed business opportunities. Why First-to-File Matters: Protects your brand before competitors Stops unauthorized use by copycats Strengthens your legal enforcement
March 25, 2026
Accolade IP Helps Businesses Turn Ideas into Assets
Accolade IP Helps Businesses Turn Ideas into Assets “Go Global with One Click” – Setting a New Standard for Global IP Strategy** As global markets evolve rapidly, intellectual property (IP) has become a core driver of business competitiveness. Accolade IP, an international IP service provider, announces a full upgrade to its global IP strategy, registration, and management support—helping SMEs and startups simplify cross‑border IP filings and transform creativity into protected, monetizable business assets. Many SMEs
October 15, 2025
Genuine trademark use in EU – Lessons from the Airbnb
Genuine Use Matters: Lessons from the Airbnb v. EUIPO Case Airbnb Case: A Cautionary Tale Airbnb registered its EU trademark for a wide range of services across Classes 35, 36, 38, 39, 41, and 43. When challenged by Airtasker Pty Ltd, EUIPO’s Cancellation Division revoked protection for many services. On appeal, the General Court ruled: ✅ Trademark protection retained for Class 36 services (reviews & feedback about real estate listings, social networking). ❌ Revocation upheld
