Sets, modular systems and interconnections: Comparing Singapore law with EU legislation

• Main Authors: LLEWELYN, Gordon Ionwy David, REDDY, T. Prashant
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2018
• Subjects: Asian Studies; European Law; Intellectual Property Law
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sol_research/2810; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/sol_research/article/4768/viewcontent/SetsModularSys_Interconnections_jpy018_pvoa.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

Singapore registered design law is largely based on UK legislation and, notwithstanding subsequent amendments, the underlying principles remain broadly similar. This article aims to compare Singapore registered design law with EU legislation in relation to sets, modular systems and interconnections.'Sets of articles' are afforded protection under both Singapore law and EU registered design law. Under both regimes such protection can prove problematic, as under Singapore law it may require a court to make an artistic assessment as to whether the goods are of the same 'general character' and under EU law the Guidelines issued by the EUIPO appear to go far beyond the text of the Design Regulation. In addition, the advantages of this protection appear to be limited.The limited exception dealing to interconnecting design available under EU law is not available in Singapore. However, given the potential availability of other means of protection for such designs in Singapore, proposals for legislative reform that would incorporate this exception should be considered with caution.