An insight into the patent systems of fast developing Asean countries

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to describe the patent systems of fast developing ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) and understand the factors that drive the demand for patents in these countries. Patent systems in these countries have now been strengthened to a large extent, the number of patent applications has increased substantially, although at a very different pace across countries. The policy features that seem to be associated with a strong increase in demand for patents are: i) policies aiming at attracting FDI; ii) low relative costs (or fees); and iii) a relatively low quality of the examination processes. The significant differences in the patent systems of these fast developing countries echo to some extent the differences observed between the patent systems in Europe, the USA and Japan.