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After completing your law degree, you pursued an LLM in Intellectual Property & Technology Law from the National University of Singapore. What motivated you to specialize in this field, and what aspects of IP law drew you to it specifically?
During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to intern in various areas of law. It was in my fourth year that I opted for Intellectual Property (IP) law as a specialization and completed my first IP internship at Remfry & Sagar. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and realized that IP law was where my passion lay, leading me to specialize in it for my career.
What particularly appeals to me about IP law is that it is a field where creativity and innovation are protected. I find it rewarding to be part of the process that helps individuals and businesses build and safeguard their brands. It’s fulfilling to contribute to the growth of creative endeavors and ensure that these efforts are legally protected, allowing them to thrive in a competitive market.
Could you share your experience pursuing your specialization in Intellectual Property & Technology Law at the National University of Singapore? What advice would you give to students wishing to pursue a master’s degree? Additionally, what was the process like for you in applying and gaining admission to the university?
I had a highly rewarding experience specializing in Intellectual Property & Technology Law at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The program provided me with invaluable opportunities to develop key skills, particularly in research paper writing, where I saw significant improvement.
NUS also offered intensive courses taught by visiting faculty from prestigious institutions. I was fortunate to learn not only from the esteemed NUS professors but also from one professor from Harvard Law School and another from an esteemed Italian university, which was a truly enriching experience. One module that particularly stood out to me was The Fulfilled Life and the Life of the Law, which offered profound insights.
The coursework was rigorous, with a significant amount of reading material, which required great discipline to stay focused. My advice to students considering a master’s degree at a foreign university is to form study groups early. Dividing assignments and teaching each other different sections is an effective way to manage the workload and stay on track.
For the application process, I submitted a resume, personal statement, degree transcripts, official TOEFL score report (you can also take IELTS and a waiver can also be requested), and two letters of recommendation. I am deeply grateful to my professors for providing me with glowing recommendation letters.
With the unwavering support of my parents and family, I was able to turn my dream of pursuing a career abroad into a reality. I was also fortunate to have a dear friend, who was pursuing her PhD at NUS, guide me through the entire application process and my journey at the university.
Please note that the application process may have changed over time, so I recommend checking the latest details on NUS’s official website: .
You started your career at a leading firm like Remfry & Sagar. What were some of the most important lessons you learned in the early stages of your practice, and what inspired you to develop an international career?
One of the most important lessons I learned in my early career days was the critical nature of managing deadlines, as IP law is particularly deadline-driven. I had to adapt to prioritizing tasks and staying organized under pressure. This process involved considering various factors, such as critical deadlines, client-set timelines, time zones, and the estimated time required for each task. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach; it requires navigating different permutations and combinations to ensure that everything is completed efficiently and on time.
I also realized that working smart is just as important as working hard. It’s essential to optimize your approach, streamline processes, and focus on efficiency without compromising quality.
Additionally, I learned the importance of maintaining a mindset of continuous learning. The legal landscape, especially in IP, is constantly evolving, and being open to new ideas and approaches has been crucial to staying relevant and delivering the best outcomes for clients.
Another key lesson was the importance of delegating effectively. As a professional, it’s essential to recognize when tasks can be shared with others to maximize efficiency. Delegating responsibilities not only helps manage workload but also fosters teamwork and collaboration, which are crucial for success in any profession.
My decision to work in an international setup was driven by my interest in how global legal frameworks intersect with diverse industries and cultures. From the outset of my legal career, I realized that the challenges and opportunities in today’s interconnected world often span multiple jurisdictions. This realization sparked my desire to expand my expertise beyond national boundaries.
Additionally, working with international clients and understanding the complexities of cross-border legal issues was something I found both intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding.
As the head of a department at Mirandah Asia (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., managing trademark portfolios across six continents, how did you navigate the complexities of different legal systems?
Navigating the complexities of different legal systems requires a solid understanding of each country’s IP laws, procedures, and practices. For example, while Letters of Consent are not accepted in Thailand, they are typically acceptable in Singapore. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of these regional differences before developing a strategy to overcome potential objections and ensure compliance with local requirements. Over time, I became familiar with the IP laws of different jurisdictions, but it helped to consult local experts from time to time to clarify any nuances.
With experience in both the Indian and Singapore IP Regulations, what do you see as the key differences between the two? How do these differences impact your practice when managing international trademark portfolios?
The Singapore IP regime is relatively faster compared to the India one. With respect to trademarks, in Singapore, a trademark application with no objections can proceed to registration in 6-9 months while in India it can take about 18-24 months.
When it comes to the inherent registrability of marks, the approach in Singapore and India differs regarding the stylization of marks. In Singapore, stylizing a mark can often help avoid absolute objections, even when the mark includes descriptive terms. In contrast, India tends to be more rigid in its approach. Even if a mark is stylized, it might still face objections if it contains descriptive terms.
Another important difference is the approach to citing earlier marks. In Singapore, it is rare for earlier marks to be cited as obstacles unless they are highly similar or identical. However, in India, the Registry has been known to cite even far-removed marks as potential conflicts, making the process more complex.
These differences impact the management of international trademark portfolios, as brands operating in both regions must prepare for longer timelines and more complex objection handling in India, whereas Singapore offers a relatively smoother and faster registration process.
Vis-à-vis copyright, while for both countries copyright is automatic upon creation, there is no formal system of registration of copyright in Singapore while there is one in India.
As an Intellectual Property Manager, what challenges do clients face in global markets when it comes to trademark registration, and brand protection? Could you share a specific example of a case you’ve handled in this regard?
One of the main challenges clients face in global markets when it comes to trademark registration and brand protection is that many countries have different trademark registration practices.
Southeast Asian countries, in particular, can present significant hurdles.
For example, Indonesia operates under a first-to-file system, meaning the first person to file a trademark application gains exclusive rights to it over the person who uses it first. As a result, trademark squatters often register well-known brands’ trademarks before the rightful owners do. Since trademark rights are territorial, these squatters demand compensation to withdraw or transfer the trademark to the legitimate brand owner.
I have dealt with numerous such cases, often filing oppositions on behalf of clients. Fortunately, Indonesia accepts bad faith as a ground for opposition, which is helpful in cases involving well-known brands. However, for lesser-known brands, proving bad faith can be more challenging.
Given your international practice across various global markets, how do you stay up to date with the latest trends in IP law and how do you incorporate these trends into your own practice?
I keep myself informed by staying in touch with industry experts through conferences, networking on platforms like LinkedIn, and being an active member of IP organizations such as the International Trademark Association and the Institute of Singapore Trademark Agents.
These resources provide valuable insights into the latest trends and developments, which I then incorporate into my work to ensure that clients receive the most current and effective advice. This is achieved by reviewing and adjusting my strategies to align with emerging developments.
For example, if new regulations or rulings affect trademark protection, I make sure that clients are aware of these changes and adjust the strategies accordingly.
As a mentor in the Law Alumni Mentor Program, what advice would you offer to younger legal professionals who aspire to build a successful career in Intellectual Property law?
My advice to younger legal professionals aspiring to build a successful career in IP law is to first and foremost enjoy the subject, which will keep one motivated in the long run.
Additionally, I recommend pursuing additional certifications or graduate programs to deepen one’s expertise, which can help specialize and stand out in the IP landscape.
Finally, it’s important to balance work with enjoyment. IP law can be demanding, so finding time for hobbies or social activities is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which will ultimately support long-term success and satisfaction in career.
Given the high demands of your legal career, how do you balance your professional responsibilities with personal obligations? What strategies do you use to recharge and stay motivated in your work?
Balancing professional responsibilities in a high demand legal career with personal obligations requires effective time management. I make sure to prioritize my tasks and set realistic goals for both work and personal life.
One of the key factors that helps me is having a strong support system, including family, friends, and colleagues—and I consider myself fortunate to have all of these. Having people to rely on for emotional support and a sense of community is crucial.
Additionally, engaging in some physical activity helps to stay recharged. My personal favorite is playing badminton or cycling which help clear my mind, helping me during demanding times.
Lastly, sometimes, a little getaway is all you need to recharge.
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