Coronavirus impact on SE Asian IP offices

(31 March 2020) Below are the latest updates on IP offices operations and functions in SE Asia:




Philippines
Metro Manila is under a quarantine and night time curfew from 15 March 2020 to 14 April 2020. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has adopted a work from home arrangement and has cancelled all hearings and meetings from 16 March 2020 until 14 April 2020. A skeleton workforce will maintain delivery of services. New IP applications can be filed online. All other action, from responses to official actions or declarations, and other documents or extension requests and appeals falling due during the lockdown period can be filed on 15 April 2020; that will be considered the due date. All payments due during the lockdown period must be paid on 15 April 2020.

Indonesia
Jakarta has a mix of home working with some offices functioning. The government has ceased public functions. The IPO has announced they are closing all service counters but online filings can still be made. There will be dispensations for delay in completing formalities. Their Livechat is operating but not the call centre. Appeal deadlines will be extended to 21 April 2020

Thailand
The Department of Intellectual Property of Thailand (DIP) has been operating as normal.  Schools and entertainment venues are closed and the Songkran new year festival will not be held. The government as announced a one month emergency starting 26 March, with further details to follow.  

Malaysia
The Malaysian Government has a national Restriction of Movement Order in effect from 18-31 March 2020, which has now been extended to 14th April. Government and businesses remain closed except for essential services. The Malaysian IP office (MYIPO) is closed too. Online filing still operates as normal for IP applications.

Singapore
Singapore has limited international travel to the city state. IPOS’ online portal, IP2SG, is operating for IP searches, filings and any other transactions.  Email is encouraged to contact IPOS, and visits are limited with prior clearance required. 

Vietnam
From 1 April 2020, all communications between IP Vietnam and applicants are to be conducted via post or the online filing system until further notice. All deadlines from 30 March 2020 to 30 April 2020 will be automatically extended to 30 May 2020. for other situations IP Vietnam says that applicants may request the application of Force Majeure if needed. 

Cambodia
The Department of IP Rights (DIPR) of Cambodia still operates, but all officials are encouraged to work from home.  Any communication should be via phone calls. No face-to-face meeting is allowed with any examiners until further notice. New TM filings and responses to refusal are expected to be submitted online.