At Huei Sze & Co, our patent team is led by Mr. Ian, a patent agent with more than 20 years of experience in the field of intellectual property law. We provide end-to-end support in patent protection, from prior art search to patent portfolio management, ensuring that our clients’ inventions are secured in a timely and commercially meaningful manner.
A key starting point in the patent process is the prior art search, where we assess the novelty of an invention by reviewing existing patents and publicly available disclosures. This allows us to evaluate the likelihood of obtaining protection and to refine the scope of the invention before proceeding with filing. Prior art search is critical in avoiding unnecessary costs and aligning the filing strategy with the client’s commercial objectives.
Following this, we coordinate the drafting and filing of patent applications including the preparation of specifications, claims, and supporting documents in accordance with legal and technical requirements. In this regard, timing and confidentiality are of paramount importance. In order to obtain patent protection, an invention must be new at the time of filing. Any disclosure to the public prior to filing including presentations, marketing materials, exhibitions, or discussions with third parties may affect the ability to secure protection. As such, we advise our clients to adopt a “file first, disclose later” approach and to put in place appropriate non-disclosure arrangements where early discussions are necessary.
Once a patent is granted, it provides exclusive rights for a period of up to 20 years from the filing date, subject to the payment of prescribed renewal fees. We assist our clients in monitoring renewal deadlines and managing the maintenance of their patent portfolios, both in Malaysia and internationally, to ensure that valuable rights remain in force without interruption.
Our approach is practical and strategic. We not only guide our clients through the technical aspects of patent protection, but also ensure that their intellectual property strategy supports their broader business goals, from development through to commercialisation and long-term growth.