Singapore Inventors and Patent Rights
Use Mediation not Courts to settle disputes.
I read ST’s article of 2nd Feb.2015 involving our local inventor Dr Ting Choon Meng and Mindef over infringement of patent rights and the exchanges between the two parties. It is indeed sad that the issue has turned sour and legal action was resorted to.
Singapore is aiming to be an IP (Intellectual Property ) Hub and because of our reputation, we can succeed.
So this unfortunate dispute is going to cause damage to what we want to achieve. Dr Ting is a Singaporean and has world-wide reputation as an inventor. Amongst many others, his most famous invention is a watch to monitor 24 -hour blood pressure reading.
This confrontation between the 2 parties is being watched by Singaporeans and others outside Singapore. It will look like a David vs Goliath battle and whatever the outcome, there will be severe implications for Singapore's future as an IP hub.
Now that we are an International Mediation Centre, both parties should use MEDIATION to come to an amicable settlement. Let's settle such disputes through mediation without the need to resort to the courts. This will save time, cost and face for all parties.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock
*Article first appeared on https://www.facebook.com/TanChengBock/posts/774388495969021
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