Zyan Yang

I am an associate of our Intellectual Property Group in Singapore. With experience in non-contentious and contentious intellectual property (IP) matters, I help businesses navigate risks associated with IP and assist in brand management, commercialization and protection.

I advise clients on the full spectrum of issues which may arise in the life-cycle of intellectual property ("IP"). My work encompasses: advising on IP strategies and risks at the creation phase; conducting clearances for registrable IP; managing trade mark portfolios; advising on transactions involving IP; and handling Registry-level IP proceedings (eg, oppositions).

I have acted on mandates concerning IP infringement and/or passing off for clients sitting on both sides of the dispute. Besides assisting clients with the enforcement of IP rights (or to fend off unmeritorious claims), I regularly draw on my experience in such contentious matters to pre-empt potential risks and provide forward-looking advice to clients looking to introduce or exploit IP.

As a former social media content creator, I have a keen interest in and commercial awareness of social media technologies and influencer / digital marketing. I draw on such knowledge and experience to guide clients toward the effective use of IP in today's digital age.

Prior to joining Bird & Bird ATMD, I was in a well-established Singapore law firm where I also advised on neighbouring areas of law such as artificial intelligence, telecommunications, data protection, advertising and consumer product safety.

• Managed the local and regional trade marks portfolio of Singapore companies from diverse industries (including food manufacturing, electronics and consumer goods). Represented and/or assisted these clients in successfully overcoming objections raised by trade mark offices.
• Advised a multi-national fashion company with a billion-dollar valuation on a range of trade mark matters including prosecution, infringement and opposition, as well as passing off.
• Advised Singapore government statutory boards on various contracts involving IP, such as licensing, collaboration and technology-focused service-level agreements.
• Advised a multinational technology conglomerate on the risks related to supplying and marketing augmented reality / virtual reality products in Singapore.
• Assisted in a successful mediation involving a dispute over franchise agreements between a Malaysia-based franchisor and a Singapore-based master franchisee.

• Tiger Pictures Entertainment Ltd v Encore Films Pte Ltd [2024] 5 SLR 316; [2024] SGHC 39 – I was intimately involved in the first trial heard under the Singapore Court's Simplified Process for IP claims, which concerned a claim for copyright infringement of a Chinese film.