Carmen graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology from Campbell University. Upon graduation, Carmen first worked as a Chemist in a reputable analytical testing laboratory where she has gained exposure in food testing procedures using various types of analytical instruments. Carmen also worked in a leading biotechnology laboratory where she has acquired extensive experience mainly in the area of DNA sequencing, genetics and molecular biology.
Working experience in the laboratory and R&D field has given Carmen a valuable and inspirational idea to venture into a career in Intellectual Property field. Prior to joining CH Phoon & Associates, Carmen worked in one of the largest and top-tier law firms in Malaysia, where she garnered extensive experience in the area of Intellectual Property law and information technology, especially in the prosecution of trademark, patent and industrial design applications for a diverse number of multinational companies and foreign clients, both locally and internationally.
Carmen handles all aspects of Intellectual Property matters related to trademarks, patents, industrial designs, copyright, geographical indications, domain names and trade secrets. Carmen’s responsibilities involve delivering her professionalism in providing one-stop Intellectual Property consultation and management on prosecution, technical know-how and business commercialisation strategies, both domestically and internationally. In accordance with the client-oriented culture in CH Phoon & Associates, Carmen strives to achieve clients’ gratification by delivering comprehensive advice on Intellectual Property protection and valuation, yet formulating strategies according to clients’ Intellectual Property needs or interests in a timely and efficient manner.
Strong academic background and extensive knowledge in both chemical and biological principles enable Carmen to understand the clients' or the inventors' unique inventions more easily yet providing strategic advice on the protection of their innovations and creations. These credentials have also accredited her the technical skills and insights in drafting patent specification for inventions in relation to a wide range of expertise. She is specialized in conducting prior art, patentability and novelty searches, reviewing and providing the patentability and infringement opinions, carrying out Freedom to Operate (FTO) analysis and delivering patent validity and invalidity opinions. She is also experienced in preparing submissions of arguments and amendments in response to office actions or objections during substantive examination. Carmen is equally experienced in handling all aspects of trademarks and industrial designs matters including searches, trademark registrability analysis, prosecution and maintenance, objection, opposition, as well as providing advice on copyright matters.
To keep updated and abreast of development in Intellectual Property field and to provide excellent service to clients, Carmen has attended various seminars and training programmes such as Patent Surgery Course organised by Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APPA), workshops organised by Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), distance learning courses and a wide variety of webinars organised by World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).