The-Impact-Of-Intellectual-Property-On-The-Quality-Of-Life-For-People-With-Disabilities-affa-global

The Impact of Intellectual Property on the Quality of Life for People with Disabilities

Intellectual Property

The Impact of Intellectual Property on the Quality of Life for People with Disabilities   The 2022* Asian Para Games, which ended yesterday in Hangzhou, China, showcased human civilization’s sportsmanship, high fighting spirit, and demonstrated the impact of Intellectual Property (IP) on the quality of life of people with disabilities in many ways. For example, the Games featured a wide range of patented assistive technologies used by athletes with disabilities to compete at the highest level. These patented assistive technologies included:   Running Prosthetics:  Losing a leg (or both) is not an obstacle for paralympic athletes to run; they no longer use prosthetic legs in the form of legs but unique legs in the form of carbon fiber plates, which are lighter and enable them to run like Olympic athletes. One of the Running Prosthetic manufacturers whose products are widely used is Ottobock, which currently has more than 1,800 patents.   Racing Wheelchairs: There are three sports where wheelchair use is permitted at the 2022 Asian Para Games: basketball, fencing, and tennis. Of course, they don’t compete with ordinary wheelchairs, but wheelchairs with innovative technology that makes them lighter but more robust, which allows them to act more quickly and safely.   Swim Fins: Swimming athletes who don’t have legs can use artificial fins made from silicon worn on their hands to swim faster and more efficiently.   Blindfolds: Because not all Paralympic athletes are entirely blind, for the competition to be fair, they are required to use unique cloth coverings, for example, when competing in athletics. These blindfolds are also made with an innovative design to be worn comfortably throughout the competition.   At the 2022 Asian Para Games, Indonesia achieved the highest achievement by reaching 6th place, under China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and India. The economic benefits obtained certainly do not only come to people with disabilities. The sporting event, which took place from October 22nd to 28th, 2023, generated billions of dollars in economic activity and created thousands of jobs from its implementation and innovative products protected by Intellectual Property.   Intellectual Property continues to play an essential role in improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in various ways, including: Encourage innovation in assistive technologies to help people with disabilities live more independent and fulfilling lives. For example, IP rights have been instrumental in developing technologies such as screen readers, speech-to-text software, and prosthetic limbs. Make assistive technologies more affordable and accessible to people with disabilities. For example, IP rights can establish licensing agreements allowing manufacturers to produce and sell assistive technologies at lower prices. Promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and society. For example, IP rights can be used to protect the intellectual property of businesses that employ people with disabilities. This can help to create jobs for people with disabilities and reduce the stigma associated with disability.   Overall, the 2022 Asian Para Games were a powerful reminder of the positive impact that IP can have on the quality of life for people with disabilities. IP-protected assistive technologies can help people with disabilities live more independent and fulfilling lives, participate in the workplace and society, and achieve their full potential.    If you need more information about IP protection in Indonesia or abroad, please feel free to contact us via email at [email protected] Source: WIPO Magazines 2022 Asian Para Games   *) Dated 2022, as it originally marked the event scheduled for 2022, which was subsequently rescheduled to 2023 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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The Intellectual Property Landscape of Tokusatsu: A Comprehensive Overview

Intellectual Property

The Intellectual Property Landscape of Tokusatsu: A Comprehensive Overview Tokusatsu (特撮) is a Japanese term for live-action (non-anime) films or television programs that heavily use practical special effects. However, in its development, this genre in Japan is mainly used in movies or series with superhero themes. From giant monsters (Kaiju) such as Godzilla and Gamera, humans who turn into giant Ultraman, masked heroes riding a bike (Kamen Rider), colorful Super Sentai heroes, metallic heroes like Gavan, and many more.   In Japan, Tokusatsu has become an enormous industry. Every year, there are at least 3 (three) new series, 2 (films) on the big screen, and dozens of OTT content, with some toys that consistently record best-selling toy sales. The BANDAI toy company, as the Master Licensee of Kamen Rider, Ultraman, and Super Sentai, records revenues of around 60 billion Yen per year from the above Intellectual Properties. Of course, this is apart from the income from broadcasting rights received by Production Houses from broadcasting throughout the world.   Then, what other Intellectual Properties are related to Tokusatsu? Here is the explanation:   1.      Copyright Copyright is Intellectual Property in science, art, and literature resulting from inspiration, ability, thoughts, imagination, dexterity, skills, or expertise expressed in real form. According to the Copyright Law, the work is called Creation, and the creator is for sure called the Creator. Because one individual does not make Tokusatsu but is a joint work of several companies, the Creator can be the designer or production leader with the title of Producer, but these companies own the Copyright Holder. For example, the late Shotaro Ishinomori is recognized as the creator of the Kamen Rider series. Still, the Copyright Holder is listed as jointly owned by Ishimori Pro (Shotaro’s company), TV Asahi (the broadcasting TV station), and TOEI (the production house). Companies registered as Copyright Holders can also be seen from writing such as “(C) 2023 石森プロ・テレビ朝日・東映” in various published materials. Tokusatsu’s works related to Copyright are not only the series or films but also the songs, scripts, characterizations, illustrations, and books related to them. Copyright is protected as long as the creator is alive, plus 70 years after that, and cannot be extended. Protected here means that only the Copyright Holder has Economic Rights and Moral Rights, so that no other party may publish, duplicate, translate, adapt/arrange/transform, distribute, announce, communicate, or rent it without the permission of the Copyright Holder.   2.      Trademark Trademark in Tokusatsu is not the additional protection but the primary Intellectual Property, which makes the name unique, along with the logo, which makes it different from other works already on the market. In contrast to Copyright, which does not need to be registered, Trademarks must be registered to obtain protection. When applying for a Trademark, it is necessary to provide information about the appropriate protection classes according to its products and/or services. The number of classes registered for the Tokusatsu series, which airs throughout the year, usually reaches 22 classes, but for films, it is only around 6 (six) to a dozen. This significant difference in numbers is because broadcasts present throughout the year will also have more derivative products and services that can be produced, and all of them must be protected from the possibility of being exploited by other irresponsible parties. Some of the trademark classes that are usually registered for the Tokusatsu series that air throughout the year are classes 32 (beverages), 30 (processed food), 28 (toys), 25 (clothing), 16 (paper), and 9 (electronic equipment). Uniquely, the Trademark Registration process is open from the start of the application process, which can be accessed by the public via the Japanese Patent Information site, providing a means for fans to get a sneak peek at the name of the new Tokusatsu series, several months before the official announcement.   3.      Industrial Design In the world of Tokusatsu, there is a unique symbiotic mutualistic relationship between toy manufacturers and Copyright Holders. It is so unique that it is common knowledge that the Tokusatsu series is called a toy advertisement that airs throughout the year. As a toy manufacturer and shareholder of the Tokusatsu producers, BANDAI also provides other support, namely making character designs, so that they can be immediately ready to be produced in various kinds of toys liked by fans of various ages from abroad. The Industrial Designs for Tokusatsu toys registered by BANDAI can also be seen on the Japanese Patent Information site. Uniquely, even though the Industrial Design is registered and owned by BANDAI, all names involved in the creative process, including representatives from the production house, are still registered as the Designer. Registration of Industrial Designs for these toys is essential so that no other party makes imitation products. Because the practice of pirating Tokusatsu toys is usually done by producing the same toys but with different Trademarks. So by registering, even if these pirates escape the trap of Trademark violations, they will not escape Industrial Design violations.   4.      Patent Patents are one type of Intellectual Property that needs to be understood in Indonesia. It is as if the patent is Intellectual Property, even though it is only one type. Patents are Intellectual Property directly related to innovation and technology with novelty value. If associated with Tokusatsu, the patent protection could be in the thin but strong action figure joint technology, toy sensors that can be activated by finger movements or inserting a coded card, and BANDAI owns all the patents.   5.      Trade Secret The formula used to make a hero’s costume that is strong but light, to the right amount of chemicals to cause a significant but safe explosion, as well as other secret formulas, can be kept as Trade Secrets. These secrets make Tokusatsu a spectacle that continues to amaze fans, and all team members involved are bound by a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).   6.      License Agreement After having a recorded Copyright…

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Racing Ahead: A Comprehensive Guide to IP in MotoGP

Intellectual Property1 Comment

Racing Ahead: A Comprehensive Guide to IP in MotoGP   The 2023 Mandalika MotoGP in Indonesia on October 15 again brought Ducati racer Francesco Bagnaia to the top of the standings with 346 points. The event, officially called “Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2023”, is the 15th race of the 20 MotoGP World Championship series, which is in a year generating a turnover of around 500 million Euros or about 8.3 trillion Rupiah.   Dorna Sports S.L., a company from Spain that has held MotoGP Commercial Rights from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) since 1992. In Dorna’s hands, the fastest motorbike racing event on land has become the most expensive in the world with its Intellectual Property business. In 2021, Dorna Sports successfully recorded 137 million Euros just from selling Broadcast Rights to various TV and streaming platforms to broadcast each competition live. Income from Broadcasting Rights is said to reach 66% of the total income from all Intellectual Property (IP) businesses carried out. So, what other IPs are related to the implementation of MotoGP?   Trademark The first is, of course, MotoGP’s unique naming and logo. Dorna has registered MotoGP in 22 existing Trademark classes, whose protection extends to 53 countries worldwide. Of the 22 Trademark classes, it includes class 25 (clothing, shoes, hats), 28 (toys), and 30 (tea & coffee), apart from, of course, class 41 (sports activities), which is the core of its business. In Indonesia, the “MotoGP” Trademark is still protected until 2027 and can be extended every ten years.   Apart from that, Dorna also registered Trademarks for various derivative businesses related to MotoGP, such as MotoGP Kids, MotoGP VIP Village, and MotoGP Legends. By registering all the Trademarks, Dorna has become the owner of the Exclusive Rights to MotoGP and prevents the possibility of other parties registering identical or similar names in the future.   Copyright Race materials, images, promotions, and other content related to MotoGP are included in the Copyright category. As the holder of Commercial Rights to MotoGP, Dorna also owns the Copyright to MotoGP. Thus, it has the right to regulate and control the use of all Copyrights related to MotoGP, including Broadcast Rights, to broadcast the race live on various platforms worldwide. The granting of Broadcasting Rights licenses is the most significant income for Dorna. It has been recorded that from 2015 to 2021, except for 2020, there has always been an increase in revenue from Broadcasting Rights. It started from 105, 115, 125, 135, 130, and 137 million Euros (around 2.3 trillion Rupiah) in 2021. For the 2023 MotoGP World Championship, there are more than 90 channels that are official broadcasters, representing 63 countries in the world. In Indonesia, MotoGP broadcast rights are held by Trans7, MNC Vision, KVision, UseeTV, and Maxstream-SpoTV.   Patent A large-scale sports competition, especially one related to the automotive industry, indeed cannot be separated from technological inventions, whether closely related to engine construction and speed or safety equipment, which are objects that can be patented. MotoGP has also become a place for innovation competition between motorbike manufacturers and safety equipment to get maximum exposure before the technology is applied to commercial products sold to the public.   Industrial Design Suppose the design of a motorbike, riding equipment, safety equipment, and other racing equipment does not contain elements of inventions but still has an aesthetic novelty design. In that case, it can be registered and receive Industrial Design protection. The most straightforward example is the commercialization of helmets used by MotoGP racers.   Trade Secret Specific racing strategies are Trade Secrets, including technical details and other confidential information. These secrets give MotoGP teams a competitive advantage by not disclosing certain important information to competitors, and all team members involved are bound by a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).   Domain Name Domain names related to MotoGP are significant for maintaining online presence and marketing. Dorna has registered “motogp.com” to prevent cybersquatting and brand misuse. This domain is also available in many languages, including Indonesian, to facilitate the marketing and disseminating of official information to all media and MotoGP fans worldwide.   Licensing Agreement Apart from the Copyright previously mentioned, the License Agreement can also cover other Intellectual Property regimes, such as Brand Licenses to produce and sell merchandise, mobile phone applications, video games, and many more. Because if we talk about business, a robust Intellectual Property License Agreement can mutually benefit all parties involved.   From Dorna Sports’ financial report in 2021, more than 100 million Euros were spent on organizing MotoGP. However, they managed to record a profit of 46 million from revenue of 207 million Euros. This figure is undoubtedly quite fantastic for sporting activities supported by solid IPs.   Because a successful sports business is also an Intellectual Property business, would you be serious about getting into it? In that case, you can start on the most miniature scale, from events that are local but have the potential for a broad audience, and continue to present exciting and competitive matches so that more and more parties are interested in joining in getting a license.   If you need further information about Licensing Agreements, Trademark registration, Patent protection, or anything related to Intellectual Property, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].

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Beyond the Racket: Intellectual Property in the World of Badminton

Intellectual Property

Beyond the Racket: Intellectual Property in the World of Badminton The 2022 Asian Games ended yesterday with a victory for the People’s Republic of China (PRC) with 383 medals. This achievement is far beyond Japan and South Korea, who are in second and third place with 188 and 190 medals. It is called the 2022 Asian Games because this 4 (four) annual event was supposed to be held in 2022, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was finally shifted to September-October 2023, still in Hangzhou, China.   Of the 40 sports that are contested, 481 competitions have their charm. Imagine the enormous potential for sponsors when billions of eyes from different countries are focused on their favorite matches. Local brands can be instantly recognized throughout Asia.   The Trademark is not only displayed on the sidelines but also on the team shirts of each country. Therefore, the team’s failure to compete until the end is also a loss for their sponsors.   At the 2022 Asian Games, the Indonesian Badminton Team failed to win a medal for the first time since competing in 1962. So, what kind of Intellectual Property is there in Badminton?   1.     Copyrights Copyright Law applies to various aspects of Badminton, including written materials like coaching manuals, training guides, and literature related to the sport. Photographs and videos of Badminton matches, tournaments, and events are protected by Copyright. The rights to reproduce, distribute, and display these materials are typically owned by the creators, organizations, or governing bodies involved in Badminton.     Copyrights also apply to broadcasting and live streaming of Badminton matches and events. Broadcasting companies and event organizers have exclusive rights to transmit these events, and unauthorized use can lead to Copyright Infringement claims.   2.    Trademarks Trademarks protect logos, brand names, symbols, and mascots associated with Badminton equipment manufacturers, event organizers, and governing bodies. For example, recognizable Trademarks like the Yonex logo are protected to prevent unauthorized use that could confuse consumers or dilute the brand’s reputation.     When discussing a big event like the Asian Games, mascots and merchandise cannot be missed because many participants and spectators will hunt for merchandise as souvenirs. For this reason, the organizer needs to register the event name in various Trademark classes that protect merchandise products.   3.    Patents Patents come into play when Badminton equipment or technological innovations are developed. This could include Patent protection for new racket designs, shuttlecock technologies, or other equipment that offers a unique and inventive solution. These Patents prevent others from making, selling, or using these innovations without permission.     4.    Trade Secrets Some aspects of Badminton, especially proprietary techniques or training methods used by elite athletes or coaches, may be considered Trade Secrets. These are typically not publicly disclosed and are protected by maintaining their confidentiality. Unauthorized access or disclosure can lead to legal action.   It’s important to note that the specific IP regimes and their enforcement can vary from country to country and depend on the agreements between stakeholders in Badminton, such as equipment manufacturers, athletes, event organizers, and governing bodies. Legal protections are in place to encourage innovation, protect commercial interests, and ensure that the sport is conducted fairly and with respect for the Intellectual Property of all involved parties.   If you need further information about Trademark registration, Patent protection, or anything related to Intellectual Property, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].

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Switzerland Maintains Its Innovation Leadership in 2023; Indonesia Secures 61st Position

Intellectual Property1 Comment

Switzerland Maintains Its Innovation Leadership in 2023; Indonesia Secures 61st Position The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023 has been released, and it reveals that global innovation is on the rise, with the average GII score reaching an all-time high of 35.9. Switzerland leads with 67.6 points and Angola is in last place, 132nd, with only 10.3.   The GII ranks 132 countries based on their seven innovation performance categories, further divided into several criteria to generate these points. The details are as follows: 1. Institutions a. Institutional Environment i. Operational Stability for Businesses ii. Government Effectiveness b. Regulatory Environment i. Regulatory Quality ii. Rule of Law iii. Cost of Redundancy Dismissal c. Business Environment i. Policies for Doing Business ii. Entrepreneurship Policies and Culture   2. Human Capital & Research a. Education i. Expenditure on Education ii. Government Funding per Student iii. School Life Expectancy iv. PISA Scales in Reading, Maths, and Science v. Student-Teacher Ratio b. Tertiary Education i. Tertiary Environment ii. Graduates in Science and Engineering iii. Tertiary Inbound Mobility c. Research and Development (R&D) i. Researchers ii. Gross Expenditure on R&D iii. Global Corporate R&D Investors iv. Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) University Ranking   3. Infrastructure a. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) i. ICT Access ii. ICT Use iii. Government Online Service iv. E-Participation b. General Infrastructure i. Electricity Output ii. Logistic Performance iii. Gross Capital Information c. Ecological Sustainability i. GDP per Unit of Energy Use ii. Environmental Performance iii. ISO 14001 Environment   4. Market Sophistication a. Credit i. Finance for Startups and Scaleups ii. Domestic Credit to Private Sector iii. Loans from Microfinance Institutions b. Investment i. Market Capitalization ii. Venture Capital (VC) Investors iii. VC Recipients iv. VC Received c. Trade, Diversification, and Market Scale i. Applied Tariff Rate ii. Domestic Industry Diversification iii. Domestic Market Scale   5. Business Sophistication a. Knowledge Workers i. Knowledge-Intensive Employment ii. Firms Offering Formal Training iii. GERD Performed by Business iv. GERD Financed by Business v. Females Employed with Advanced Degrees b. Innovation Linkages i. University-Industry R&D Collaboration ii. State of Cluster Development iii. GERD Financed by Abroad iv. Joint Venture/ Strategic Alliance v. Patent Families c. Knowledge Absorption i. Intellectual Property Payments ii. High-Tech Imports iii. ICT Services Imports iv. FDI Net Inflows v. Research Talent   6. Knowledge & Technology Outputs  a. Knowledge Creation i. Patents by Origin ii. PCT Patents by Origin iii. Utility Models by Origin iv. Scientist and Technical Articles v. Citable Documents H-Index b. Knowledge Impact i. Labor Productivity Growth ii. Unicorn Valuation iii. Software Spending iv. High-Tech Manufacturing c. Knowledge Diffusion i. Intellectual Property Receipts ii. Production and Export Complexity iii. High-Tech Exports iv. ICT Services Exports v. ISO 9001 Quality   7. Creative Outputs  a. Intangible Assets i. Intangible Asset Intensity ii. Trademarks by Origin iii. Global Brand Value iv. Industrial Design by Origin b. Creative Goods and Services i. Cultural and Creative Services Exports ii. National Feature Films iii. Entertainment and Media Market iv. Creative Goods Exports c. Online Creativity i. Generic Top-Level Domains ii. Country-Code Top-Level Domains iii. GitHub Commits iv. Mobile App Creation   Switzerland tops the GII rankings for the 13th year in a row, followed by Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. The top 10 economies are all high-income countries. Still, several middle-income countries are also performing well in innovation, such as Indonesia joining China, Türkiye, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Vietnam as the most impressive innovation climbers of the last decade.     For the 13th consecutive year, Switzerland ranks first in the GII. It is the global leader in innovation outputs, ranking first in both Knowledge and technology outputs and Creative outputs. Sweden overtakes the United States (US) to climb to second position. Sweden leads in Business sophistication (1st), Infrastructure (2nd), and Human capital and research (3rd). It holds top positions for its Researchers (1st) and Knowledge-intensive employment (3rd). The United States continues to head the league table of scoring best in the world in 13 of the 80 GII 2023 innovation indicators. It is number one in the world in indicators that include Global corporate R&D investors, Venture capital received, the quality of its universities, the combined valuation of its unicorn companies (a new GII indicator), software spending, and the value of corporate Intangible asset intensity.   Singapore enters the top five leading in South East Asia, East Asia, and Oceania (SEAO) region economies. Finland (6th) gets closer to the top five, gaining three ranks this year. It comes top worldwide in Infrastructure (1st).   Denmark (9th) and the Republic of Korea (10th) remain in the top 10. France (11th) gets closer, improving one rank this year, while Japan remains strong as the 13th most innovative economy. Israel re-enters the top 15, reaching 14th place.     After a rapid ascent, gaining 23 positions over the last decade, China ranks 12th this year, dropping one rank relative to 2022. China remains the sole middle-income economy to secure a position among the top 30, retaining 3rd place in the SEAO region and top spot in the upper middle-income group. Apart from China, there are only four other middle-income economies among the top 40 economies, namely, Malaysia (36th), Bulgaria (38th), Türkiye (39th) and India (40th).   Standout Countries’ 4-year Innovation Surge, 2019–2023 In the last four years, and since the pandemic, Saudi Arabia (48th), Brazil (49th), Mauritius (57th), Indonesia (61st), and Pakistan (88th) ascended most in the GII, in order of their rank progression.      In 2019, Indonesia was ranked 85th with 29.7 points. In 2020, although the points decreased to 26.5, the ranking remained at number 85. The increase was only one point in the following years (2021-2022), but it was enough to increase the ranking to the top 75. Of course, The peak this year is 61st place with 31.3 points.   Indonesia makes marked improvements in innovation outputs, notably in Knowledge Creation and Online Creativity. It excels in…

The-Coffee-Business-and-Intellectual-Property-A-Perfect-Blend-affa-global

The Coffee Business and Intellectual Property: A Perfect Blend

Intellectual Property

The Coffee Business and Intellectual Property: A Perfect Blend The world of coffee is a flavorful fusion of tradition and innovation. From unique blends to cutting-edge brewing methods, the coffee industry is rich with Intellectual Property opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore the various aspects of Intellectual Property, from Trademarks to Patents, Copyrights, and more, and how they’re intertwined with the coffee business. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a seasoned roaster, here’s a breakdown of the fundamental Intellectual Properties related to the coffee industry:   Trademarks Coffee Brand Names Trademarks protect the unique names and logos of coffee brands. Think of iconic brands like “Starbucks” or “Kapal Api.” Coffee Shop Names Trademarks also apply to coffee shop names, creating brand recognition for businesses like “The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf” or “Kenangan Coffee.”   Patents Coffee Brewing Technology Patents protect innovative coffee brewing methods and machines—for instance, the invention of the espresso machine in 1884 by an Italian inventor, Angelo Moriondo. Coffee Roasting Equipment Patents can cover advancements in coffee roasting technology, ensuring that unique processes are protected.   Copyrights Coffee Art and Labels Coffee packaging often includes artistic designs and labels. Copyrights safeguard these creative elements. Coffee Literature Copyrights can apply to books, articles, or marketing materials related to coffee, including coffee history, brewing guides, and more.   Trade Secrets Coffee Blends Coffee companies may have closely guarded trade secrets related to their unique coffee blends and recipes. Roasting Profiles The specific roasting profiles for different coffee beans can also be considered Trade Secrets.   Geographical Indications Origin-Based Labels Some coffee regions, like Arabica Gayo coffee or Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, are known for their distinct flavors. Geographical Indications protect these regional characteristics.   Industrial Designs Coffee Machine Aesthetics The design of coffee machines, from espresso makers to grinders, can be protected by Industrial Design rights. Unique Packaging The distinctive packaging of coffee products, making them easily recognizable on store shelves, can also be registered as Industrial Design.   Plant Variety Protection Unique Coffee Varieties: Specific coffee plant varieties may sometimes be protected to ensure that only authorized growers can cultivate them. For example, Gayo Arabica coffee has several varieties registered as Plant Variety Protection in Indonesia.   Licensing & Franchising Agreements Distribution Rights To distribute a specific brand of coffee, you must obtain official approval from the owner, stating several details, such as distribution scope, licensing validity period, and how much royalties can be given. Franchising Coffee businesses with networked shops usually have a franchise agreement, where the franchisee has obtained permission from the franchisor with a registered Trademark to open a coffee shop based on a predetermined business model.   From a coffee business, there are many additional opportunities to increase income from various existing Intellectual Property, and it would be a shame if they were not maximized. If you need further information about Trademark registration, Patent protection, or anything related to Intellectual Property, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].

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COSPLAY and Intellectual Property: Navigating the Legal Landscape

Intellectual Property

COSPLAY and Intellectual Property: Navigating the Legal Landscape Cosplay has become popular again as a form of pop culture activity since the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions ended. Malls in all corners compete to host various events featuring Cosplayers to increase visitors. But not many people know that Cosplay is an activity on the “edge of the cliff” when viewed from an Intellectual Property (IP) perspective. How come?   Definition of Cosplay Taken from the words “Costume & Play,” Cosplay is the activity of playing using character costumes, whether from films, TV series, video games, comics, or characters from other popular culture. People who carry out Cosplay activities are called Cosplayers. We can easily find them at pop culture-based events, such as “Comic Conventions,” dominated by IP from America, or “Anime Conventions,” dominated by IP from Japan.   Cosplayers proudly wore their favorite character costumes at these events, socialized with fellow fans, or participated in competitions. Yes, Cosplay is also regularly contested with quite big prizes. This is one of the factors why the number of Cosplayers continues to increase. Because Cosplay has become a place to earn money, increase popularity, and expand friendships. The rise of Cosplay activities has also given rise to various derivative professions. Starting from Costume Makers with their respective specifications, whether for costumes made from cloth, foam, resin, or leather. Then, the Prop Makers make costume-supporting equipment such as armor, swords, or other weapons. Also, trained Performers with acrobatic or martial arts skills are specifically hired to play certain characters. Then we have Cosplay Judges who are staffed by “seniors” with high-flying hours and have won many competitions at home and abroad. Unfortunately, all of these professions receive payment for using characters without the permission of the creator or owner of the character. This factor causes Cosplay to become an activity on the edge of Intellectual Property violations.   Every Popular Character is Copyrighted Every character, realized in various media, whether considered popular or only known to a few people, is included in the “Creation.” According to Article 1 of the Copyright Law, this Creation is a creative work in science, art, and literature produced based on inspiration, ability, thought, imagination, talent, skill, or expertise expressed in concrete form.   The Creator is given exclusive Economic Rights, so only the Creator has the right to obtain financial benefits, including commercial use of his Creation. It is also important to remember that the Exclusive Right to Copyright arises automatically based on the Declarative Principle after a work is realized in actual form, without the need to go through a registration process as with Trademarks, Patents, or other Intellectual Property.   In other words, if another party wants to use or utilize a Creation commercially, they must first obtain permission from the Creator, as regulated in Article 9, Paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Copyright Law.   Sanctions for Violations Unfortunately, the various professions derived from the Cosplay activities above can specifically be categorized as forms of Copyright Infringement. For Costume and Prop Makers violating Article 9 Paragraph 1 letters (b) and (d) regarding the Duplication of Works in all their forms, as well as Adaptation and Transformation of Works; Meanwhile, Event Organizers who invite costumed Performers or Cosplay Judges may be deemed to have violated Article 9 Paragraph 1 letter (f) regarding Creation Performances. Criminal sanctions regulated in Article 113 of the Copyright Law as follows: Costume & Prop Maker: Prison max. 4 years and/or fine max. one billion rupiah. Cosplay Event Organization: Prison max. 3 years and/or fine max. 500 million rupiah.   The sanctions given to costume makers could be more severe if they deliberately sell themselves as sellers of costumes made from characters with registered Trademarks and/or parts of their costumes take designs from products with registered Industrial Designs. So he could be subject to sanctions from the Trademark and Industrial Design Law simultaneously!   Copyright Restrictions But fellow Cosplayers or all related derivative workers don’t need to worry because there are restrictions or exceptions for actions that are still not considered Copyright Violations. Namely, if the duplication and/or performance is free of charge, provided that it does not harm the reasonable interests of the Creator.   In other words, if the Cosplay activity is designed as a paid show where the audience must buy tickets, or Brand X pays a Cosplayer complete with the costume to promote a product from Brand X, then it is inevitable that there has been a Copyright Violation.   However, because the criminal provisions on Intellectual Property are a complaint offense, there must be a direct objection from the Creator to all activities carried out by the Cosplayer and any derivative work thereof. What can happen is, even in a free Cosplay show or free costume making, if the Creator finds out, objects, and does not give permission for whatever reason, a lawsuit can still be filed.   Cosplay Practice in the USA and Japan Even though it is considered a fun activity without limits and upholding freedom of expression, Cosplay still has to comply with several pretty strict rules. For example, if done privately, Cosplayers must abide by the norms of decency; neither their costumes nor their behavior must disturb public order. In this personal activity, Japan has stricter rules than America. In Japan, it is impossible to find people busking in character costumes in the middle of the street. Apart from disturbing public order, it could be considered to damage the image of the character he presents.   Street Performers In America, Cosplayers are categorized as Street Performers. They are free to express themselves even if there is no event, but the area is minimal if they take to the streets or public spaces for activities. A famous example of this restriction is the streets painted Light Blue around New York’s Times Square. If they act outside that area, they can be immediately arrested by the police. Indonesia also has regional regulations that prohibit busking or…

在印度尼西亚申请工业设计时评估新颖性的四个重要条件-affa-global

在印度尼西亚申请工业设计时评估新颖性的四个重要条件

Intellectual Property

在不断发展的工业创新景观中，保护知识产权变得非常重要，它有助于培育创意并推动经济增长。在众多的知识产权制度中，工业设计在保护您的产品的美学和视觉方面起着重要的作用。在印尼，如同在许多国家一样，”新颖性”的要求是为设计师和创新者提供法律保护的基础。   本文将帮助您了解印度尼西亚工业设计的新颖性条件的重要性，以及它对设计师和商业人士的影响。   印尼工业设计的定义 根据《2000年第31号关于工业设计的法律》第1条，工业设计是关于形状、配置或线条或颜色的创作，或线条和颜色的组合，其形式为三维或二维，能够营造美感，并可以在三维或二维模式中实现，以及可以用于生产某种产品、商品、工业商品或手工艺品。总的来说，这部工业设计法为保护设计免受非法使用或复制提供了法律框架。   新颖性：工业设计保护的核心 工业设计保护的核心在于其新颖性要求。在印尼，为了满足保护要求，设计必须具有新颖性。在这里，新颖性意味着该设计在申请日期或优先权日期之前，从未在全球任何地方向公众公开。这一要求强调了设计的原创性，确保申请保护的设计为消费者带来不同的全新视觉感受。   重要条件 即使一个工业设计与其他设计相似，只要其差异能显著到赋予新设计独特的特性，它也可以被认为是新颖的。 工业设计的新颖性是全球性的。也就是说，一个在印尼新颖的设计如果在其他国家已经公之于众，那么它就不再被视为新颖。 如果工业设计在国内外向公众公开，其新颖性可能会丧失。这可以通过在国内或国际上的正式展览中发生。 如果工业设计由其所有者在教育、研究或开发目的的试验中向公众公开，其新颖性也可能会丧失。   然而，对于上述第3和第4点，存在一个6个月的宽限期，在这期间，工业设计可以向公众公开而不丧失其新颖性。这个宽限期旨在允许设计师在提交保护申请之前，从他们的目标市场获得关于他们设计的反馈。   如果您对印度尼西亚或其他国家的工业设计新颖性有其他问题，请随时通过电子邮件[email protected]与我们联系。我们的微信是 AFFA IPR. 来源: 《2000年第31号关于工业设计的法律》

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The 4 Key Factors that Determine Industrial Design Novelty in Indonesia

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In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial innovation, protecting Intellectual Property Rights is paramount to fostering creativity and encouraging economic growth. Among the various forms of Intellectual Property, Industrial Design plays a crucial role in safeguarding the aesthetic and visual aspects of products. In Indonesia, as in many countries, Industrial Design novelty requirements serve as a foundation for granting legal protection to designers and innovators. This article delves into the significance of Industrial Design novelty requirements in Indonesia, exploring their implications for creators and businesses alike.   Industrial Design in Indonesia: A Brief Overview Industrial Design refers to an article’s ornamental or aesthetic aspect, encompassing its visual appearance and features. It is not concerned with the technical or functional aspects of the product. In Indonesia, Industrial Design protection is governed by Law No. 31 of 2000 concerning Industrial Designs. This legal framework provides creators with the means to protect their original designs from unauthorized use or reproduction.   Novelty Requirements: The Bedrock of Design Protection At the heart of Industrial Design protection lie the novelty requirements. In Indonesia, to qualify for protection, a design must meet the criterion of novelty. Novelty, in this context, means that the design has not been disclosed to the public anywhere in the world before the filing date or priority date of the application. This requirement emphasizes the originality of the design, ensuring that it brings a new and distinct visual impression to consumers.   The Key Factors An Industrial Design can be new even if it is similar to another design, as long as the differences are significant enough to give the new design an individual character. The novelty of an Industrial Design is assessed on a global basis. This means that a design that is new in Indonesia may not be new if it has been made available to the public in another country. The novelty of an Industrial Design can be lost if it is disclosed to the public through nationally and internationally recognized exhibitions. The novelty of an Industrial Design also can be lost if it is disclosed to the public by the owner in the framework of an experiment with the purpose of education, research, or development.   However, for points 3 and 4 above, there is a six-month (6-month) grace period during which an Industrial Design can be made available to the public without losing its novelty. This grace period is intended to allow designers to test the market for their designs before applying for protection.   If you have any questions about Industrial Design novelty in Indonesia or abroad, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. Sources: Law No. 31 of 2000 concerning Industrial Designs

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Exploring the Intellectual Property Game in Basketball

Intellectual Property

When we think of basketball, the first things that come to mind are slam dunks, crossovers, and buzzer-beating shots. But did you know that the world of basketball also involves its fair share of Intellectual Property? From iconic logos to innovative technologies, the game has its own unique IP game. Let’s take a jump shot into basketball and some of its Intellectual Property.        1. Trademark for Team Logos: Just like the game itself, team logos are integral to the identity of basketball teams. The LA Lakers’ iconic logo or the Chicago Bulls’ fierce emblem aren’t just symbols; they’re also protected Trademarks, ensuring their uniqueness and preventing unauthorized use.        2. Patents for Innovative Footwear: Basketball shoe technology has come a long way. From Air Jordan’s game-changing cushioning to Adidas’ Boost technology, Patents often protect these advancements. These Patents encourage innovation and safeguard the hard work of creating performance-enhancing gear.        3. Copyright for Broadcasts and Analytics Software: The exhilarating dunks and clutch plays would be the same with the broadcasters who capture the moment. These broadcasts are subject to Copyright, ensuring that the creative work involved in producing them is acknowledged and protected. The modern game is heavily influenced by data analytics and software. The algorithms and software tools used to analyze player performance and strategy are valuable Intellectual Property assets.   As we cheer for our favorite teams and players, remember the ‘behind-the-scenes game’ of Intellectual Property that contributes to the excitement on the court. From Trademarks to Patents and Copyrights, basketball is more than just a sport; it’s a field where innovation and creativity are valued and protected.   Should you require further information and assistance regarding Intellectual Property in sports, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. Source: World Intellectual Property Organization FIBA Basketball