Violet graduated from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in 2016 with an honours degree in Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, and a minor in Environmental Sustainability. During her final year in NTU, she enrolled in an overseas exchange programme to Imperial College London where she worked on the use of ammonium persulfate as an oxidant in organic synthesis for her final year project. She was awarded a scholarship by National University of Singapore (NUS) Graduate School - Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme in 2016. The focus of her PhD research was on discovering new modes of activation for platinum(IV) prodrugs to achieve controlled anticancer drug delivery.
Violet is currently training to become a registered patent attorney in Singapore.
Lidl, a discount supermarket with a presence in the UK since 1994, has been successful in an infringement and passing off claim against Tesco, the largest supermarket chain in the UK.
The dispute came before the High Court in 2023 and Lidl was overall successful. Tesco appealed that decision and the Court of Appeal has largely confirmed the lower court’s decision. Tesco will have to cease use of its Clubcard Prices logo (as shown below) which has been used to promote its discounted ‘Clubcard Prices’ scheme since 2020.
In Scotland, a large proportion of innovation in the biotechnology and life sciences sector comes from start-up and spin-out companies. Obtaining effective IP protection for these valuable innovative ideas not only is critical for attracting investment at seed and early stage, but also impacts the long term growth of the company. A recent joint study by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) examined the role of IP rights with regard to attracting funding opportunities and investment.
This International Women’s Day, we stand together to honour the remarkable contributions of women around the world and reaffirm Marks & Clerk’s dedication to fostering an environment of inclusion and equality. This year, under the theme "Inspire Inclusion," we reflect on how best to empower women in every aspect of society, including the field of intellectual property.