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IP UNFOLD MONTHLY IP INFO-FEBRUARY, 2025

  1. Casio Wins Landmark Unfair Competition Case in China   Casio secured a major victory in China as the Guangdong High Court ruled against two watchmakers for copying its GA-110 design. The court awarded Casio Rmb3 million (US$413,500) in damages, reinforcing trade dress protection even after design patents expire. This sets a key precedent for brand owners fighting copycats.     2. Cambodia Launches Online Patent & IP Filing System   Cambodia has introduced online filing for patents, utility models, and industrial designs, streamlining the process and enhancing accessibility. The system, backed by WIPO, improves efficiency while ensuring security through strict applicant verification.   3. Thailand to Adjust International IP Fees from 2025 Starting February 1, 2025, Thailand will revise fees for international applications, including search and processing fees. Late payments will face a 50% surcharge, while eligible applicants may receiv...

UPCYCLING - A WAY TO GENERATE IP

For many years recycling had been a big deal; However, Off late the word Upcycling has taken its place. Upcycling is a new and better way to treat trash and waste. It is nothing but upgrading the junk into new and useable products. In other words, reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original. 



Having explained what Upcycling is, my concern is the immense potential for generation of Intellectual Property that Upcycling offers.

   


 "The opportunity to upcycle trash, or turn it into new products, is vast"

 



 



 

 

Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless and/or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value. By Upcycling a waste product, you are giving it a new identity; for example waste water bottles, soft drink bottles, empty jam jars, old fabric etc., can be made into completely new products with no trace of the earlier identity.     

 


 


This new products are new intellectual property created and shall be protected using different intellectual property rights. One of the industries where Upcycling is common is fashion industry and interior décor. Mostly such products exhibit artistic craftsmanship. Therefore, qualify for protection under copyright law. Moreover, if a business is started naturally trademarks and branding come into play. Sometimes even a design registration of a product is possible.

 



Should Upcycling be taken seriously, revenue is sure to come. The potential for developing without any major investment is what is lucrative in this field. This justifies that age-old proverb “Old is Gold”. Turn your old stuff into Gold by creating different Intellectual Properties.