Patent
Service

Navigate the patent process seamlessly with our professional services,
ensuring your inventions are protected and monetized effectively.

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What is A Patent?

A patent or utility innovation is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides a new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem.

Why Protect
an Invention?

Protecting an invention with a patent or utility innovation grants the owner exclusive rights to prevent others from making, using, or selling the invention without permission. This legal protection ensures that the inventor can control how the invention is used within a specific country.

It allows the owner to monetize the invention through licensing or sales, deterring competitors and safeguarding the inventor’s hard work. Patent protection encourages innovation by rewarding creators for their unique ideas and inventions.

Term of Protection

Standard Patents

Your invention is protected for 20 years from the filing date. This means no one can make, use, or sell your invention without your permission for two decades. However, you must pay maintenance fees to keep the patent active during this period.

Utility Models & Designs

These typically provide protection for 10-15 years, depending on the jurisdiction and type of protection. While the protection term is shorter than that of standard patents, utility models and design patents still offer valuable rights to prevent others from copying or exploiting your invention.

Standard Patents

Your invention is protected for 20 years from the filing date. This means no one can make, use, or sell your invention without your permission for two decades. However, you must pay maintenance fees to keep the patent active during this period.

Utility Models & Designs

These typically provide protection for 10-15 years, depending on the jurisdiction and type of protection. While the protection term is shorter than that of standard patents, utility models and design patents still offer valuable rights to prevent others from copying or exploiting your invention.

What Are Patentable Inventions?

Novelty

The invention must be new and not have been disclosed publicly before the patent application.

Inventive Step

It must involve an inventive step, meaning it should not be obvious to someone skilled in the relevant field based on existing knowledge.

Industrial Applicability

The invention must be useful and capable of being made or used in some kind of industry, whether it’s manufacturing, technology, agriculture, or another field.

Clear Description

The invention must be clearly described in the patent application so that someone skilled in the field can understand and reproduce it.

What Are Non-Patentable Inventions?

While patents provide protection for many types of inventions, some creations cannot be patented.

Here are common examples of non-patentable inventions:

Abstract Ideas

Concepts, theories, or scientific principles that are not tied to a practical application

Natural Phenomena

Laws of nature, natural materials, or naturally occurring substances

Pure Discoveries

Something that already exists in nature, like finding a new species of plant or animal

Artistic Creations

Works of art, literature, music, and other artistic expressions are protected under copyright law, not patent law.

Human or Animal Cloning

Methods for cloning humans or animals are not patentable due to ethical concerns.

Inventions Against Public Morality

Any invention that goes against public order, ethics, or safety.

Intellectual Property (IP) Protection in Southeast Asia

Patents protect inventions by granting exclusive rights to the patent holder for a limited time. ASEAN countries have patent systems compatible with international treaties like the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Filing Requirements
  1. Name and address of the applicant and inventor.
  2. Title and abstract of the invention.
  3. Claims defining the scope of protection.
  4. Drawings (if applicable).
  5. Appointment of THE IP CO. as your Trusted Patent agent.
Documents Required
  1. Applicant Details (Individual / Company) for Application.
  2. Detailed specification and claims.
  3. Abstract and drawings.
  4. Priority document (if applicable).
  5. Power of Attorney appointing THE IP CO. (if required).
  6. Payment for official fees.

Malaysia

  • Patent Filing in English Allowed.
  • Protection lasts for 20 years (Utility Innovation 10 years).
  • Grace period for prior disclosure: 12 months.
  • Possible to Expedited or Approve Patent based on International Preliminary Report on Patentability or Granted Patent from certain jurisdiction.
  • Require certified copy of the priority document and its English translation (softcopy).
  • Annual maintenance fees are payable only after patent granted.

Singapore

  • Patent Filing in English Allowed.
  • Protection lasts for 20 years (Utility Innovation NOT available).
  • Grace period for prior disclosure: 12 months.
  • Possible to Expedited or Approve Patent based on International Preliminary Report on Patentability or Granted Patent from certain jurisdiction.
  • Annual maintenance fees are payable from the 5th year from date of filing.

Philippines

  • Patent Filing in English Allowed.
  • Protection lasts for 20 years (Utility Innovation 7 years).
  • Grace period for prior disclosure: 12 months.
  • Possible to Expedited or Approve Patent based on International Preliminary Report on Patentability or Granted Patent from certain jurisdiction.
  • Require certified copy of the priority document and its English translation (softcopy).
  • Annual maintenance fees are payable from the 5th year.

Brunei Darussalam

  • Patent Filing in English Allowed.
  • Protection lasts for 20 years (Utility Innovation Not Available).
  • Grace period for prior disclosure: 12 months.
  • Possible to Expedited or Approve Patent based on International Preliminary Report on Patentability or Granted Patent from certain jurisdiction.
  • Require certified copy of the priority document and its English translation (softcopy).
  • Annual maintenance fees are payable only after patent granted.

Indonesia

  • Requires Indonesian language translation for Patent Filing.
  • Protection lasts for 20 years (Utility Innovation 10 years).
  • Grace period for prior disclosure: 6 months.
  • Possible to Expedited or Approve Patent based on International Preliminary Report on Patentability or Granted Patent from certain jurisdiction.
  • Require certified copy of the priority document and its English translation (softcopy).
  • Annual maintenance fees are due each year starting from the first one and are payable after the patent is granted. Annuities which were due before the grant should be paid within six months from the issuance of the Notice of Allowance, plus the annual fee for the next year.

Thailand

  • Requires Thai language translation for Patent Filing.
  • Protection lasts for 20 years (Utility Innovation 10 years).
  • Grace period for prior disclosure: 12 months.
  • Possible to Expedited or Approve Patent based on International Preliminary Report on Patentability or Granted Patent from certain jurisdiction.
  • Require certified copy of the priority document and its English translation (softcopy). PoA notarized by the Notary Public.
  • Annual maintenance fees are payable from the 5th year (after grant).

Cambodia

  • Requires Khmer language translation for Patent Filing.
  • Protection lasts for 20 years (Utility Innovation 7 years).
  • Grace period for prior disclosure: 12 months.
  • Possible to Expedited or Approve Patent based on International Preliminary Report on Patentability or Granted Patent from certain jurisdiction.
  • Require certified copy of the priority document and its English translation (softcopy). PoA notarized by the Notary Public.
  • Annual maintenance fees are payable each year, only after patent granted.

Laos

  • Requires Lao language translation for Patent Filing.
  • Manual Search (no official database)
  • Protection lasts for 20 years (Utility Innovation 10 years).
  • Grace period for prior disclosure: 12 months.
  • Possible to Expedited or Approve Patent based on International Preliminary Report on Patentability or Granted Patent from certain jurisdiction.
  • Require certified copy of the priority document and its English translation (softcopy). PoA notarized by the Notary Public.
  • Annual maintenance fees are payable every year.

Vietnam

  • Requires Vietnamese language translation for Patent Filing.
  • Protection lasts for 20 years (Utility Innovation 10 years).
  • Grace period for prior disclosure: 6 months.
  • Possible to Expedited or Approve Patent based on International Preliminary Report on Patentability or Granted Patent from certain jurisdiction.
  • Require certified copy of the priority document and its English translation (softcopy).
  • Annual maintenance fees are payable only after patent granted.

Myanmar

  • There is presently no functioning system of patent and design protection in Myanmar. Companies should be aware of this limitation and discuss with us what strategies may be available.
  • Manual Search (no official database)
  • Re-registration in the form of Declaration.
  • Re-publication in the local daily newspapers or weekly journals.
  • Evidence of use or promotion of goods or services bearing the mark/idea/design in Myanmar or any other use is required for renewal.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to file a patent?

The cost to file a patent varies depending on the complexity of the invention, the type of patent (e.g., utility or design), and whether you hire a patent attorney. Filing fees can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Additional costs may include legal and maintenance fees over the life of the patent.

Can I sell or transfer my patent?

Yes, you can sell or license your patent. When you sell a patent, you transfer ownership to someone else. Alternatively, you can license your patent, allowing others to use it under certain conditions while retaining ownership. Licensing can be a way to monetize your invention without giving up full control.

How do I know if my invention is patentable?

Before applying for a patent, it’s crucial to perform a patent search to check if similar inventions already exist. You can do this through the patent office or by hiring a professional to conduct a comprehensive search.

Can I patent an idea or concept?

No, patents only protect specific inventions or innovations that are fully described and have a practical application. You cannot patent an idea or concept on its own; it must be a tangible, functional invention that can be reproduced and used in industry.