This program offers 1 participatory MCLE credit. You must register in advance to participate.

Presented by the International Interest Group and Trademark Interest Group

In this program, Geetha Kandiah—an accomplished international IP attorney whose contributions to the field have been recognized by Managing IP publications and World Trademark Review —will guide practitioners through some of the exciting trademark law updates in Malaysia and Myanmar.  Among the key changes —Malaysia’s recent accession to the Madrid Protocol will ease filing requirements and streamline fees, and the new Act also provides for recognition of non-traditional marks, vulnerability to non-use revocation, and the recognition of privilege for communications with registered trademark agents.  Once in effect, Myanmar’s new trademark law will move the country away from the prior first-to-use system to a first-to-file system, while also allowing trademark renewal every ten years and granting a six-month priority period to trademarks registered in Paris convention member states.

Moderator: Leaf Williams

Geetha Kandiah has been with KASS since 2006, upon completing her pupilage at a reputable law firm in Malaysia. In 2007, she trained under European Trademark Attorneys at a well-established IP firm in France.

On top of managing local and international portfolios, she handles domain name disputes and provides assistance to franchisors and franchisees (in the form of franchise agreement drafting, franchise registration support and professional advice).

Geetha frequently shares her IP expertise on BFM89.9, Bernama TV and has contributed articles to various local and overseas publications. Her comments on case law in Malaysia have been quoted in publications abroad such as the Asia IP  magazine, ITMA Review by the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) and Managing Intellectual Property, a Euromoney Publication.

She was recognized for her exceptional work in the IP field by Prestige Magazine (2010), where she made it into the Top 10 of “Malaysia’s Top 40 under 40”. She has been a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA) Asia Roundtables Project Team since 2012 and has been an active member of INTA’s Brands and Innovation Committee for the past 4 years. She is also a Seasoned Contributor to INTA for Geographical Indications, Collective Marks and Certification Marks.