Our Team
Kiranjit K Dharsan Seiter
Managing Partner
Qualifications
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Singapore, Advocate, and Solicitor (Supreme Court of Singapore)
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United Kingdom, Barrister-at-Law (the Honourable Society of Middle Temple)
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16 years's experience in the Trademark and IP industry
Languages
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English
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Malay
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Punjabi
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Basic Chinese (Mandarin)
Kiran is an Advocate & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore and has many years of experience in managing trademark and design portfolios in all Asia-Pacific jurisdictions. Kiran has advised various domestic and international clients, from multi-national corporations to small-medium enterprises to start-ups, on a wide range of issues related to trademarks, designs, copyright and domain names in industries such as apparel and accessories, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, toys, sporting goods, wines and spirits, agricultural and dairy products, foods and beverages, electronic and computers, industrial equipment and machinery and personal care, health care, medical devices and services.
Her areas of expertise include advice on branding, trademark searches, filing and prosecution of trademarks and designs, trademark oppositions and cancellations, dispute resolution, negotiating co-existence agreements and trademark enforcement. She has exceptional know-how in working with trademark agents and counsels in all Southeast Asian countries.
Kiran is a member of the Law Society of Singapore, the Singapore Academy of Law, the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME), the International Trademark Association (INTA), the European Communities Trade Mark Association (ECTA), serving on its Copyrights Committee. Kiran is a 2022 WIPR Leader (World Intellectual Property Review).
Education
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Bachelors of Law (LL.B (Honors), University of London
Professional Affiliations & Appointments
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Member, Singapore Law Society
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Member, Singapore Academy of Law
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Member, Institute of Singapore Trade Mark Agents
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Member, Association of Small Medium Enterprises (ASME), Singapore
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Member, International Trademark Association (INTA)
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Member, European Communities Trade Mark Association (ECTA)
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Member, WeConnect International
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Member, Action Community for Entrepreneurs (ACE), Singapore
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Vice-Chair, INTA Nontraditional Marks Committee (2014-2015)
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Chair, Asia-Pacific Subcommittee of INTA Nontraditional Marks Committee (2012-2013)
Interests:
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Watching thrillers, medical and legal dramas /movies
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Family time with her kids
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Taking her dog for walks
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Singing and dancing
Marni Hj. Afandi
Partner & Trademark Portfolio Manager
Qualifications
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26 years' experience in the Trademark and IP industry
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Strategic IP Management for Businesses by SMU Academy
Languages
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English
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Malay
As the Trademark Manager of the firm, and a Partner as of 1 January 2018, Marni oversees its operations and manages the trademark and design portfolios of our clients domestically and internationally. She has been working in the IP industry for over 26 years, having worked her way up from a secretarial role when she first began her career to her managerial role today.
Over the years, Marni has seen many changes in the trademark and design laws and practices of Singapore as well as the other ASEAN countries. She has an exceptional grasp of procedural matters in each jurisdiction and has a wealth of experience in this field. She is service-oriented and efficient, a quality our clients appreciate.
Her areas of expertise include filing trademark and design applications, trademark prosecution, liaising and communicating with our local counsels within the region, preparing and drafting reports for contentious matters such as oppositions, cancellations, and invalidations. She is also responsible for training the firm's paralegals and administrative staff.
Prior to joining us, Marni worked at a Singapore IP boutique firm for over 10 years. Marni is a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA).
Education
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The Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Advanced level)
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Strategic IP Management for Businesses by SMU Academy
Interests
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Weekend outings with the family
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Quiet chats with her husband
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Evening walks to relax
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Avid gamer on weekends
Alishia Frändén
Partner & Business Development Manager
Qualifications
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4 years' experience in the Trademark and IP industry
Languages
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English
Alishia is a Partner of the firm. She has been part of the Seiter team since August 2020 and has contributed tremendously to the growth of the firm and its clients, with her innovative marketing and business development ideas. With all her positive contributions, she became a partner in 2023. Alishia is known for wearing many hats throughout her career, all of which have been deeply rooted in helping the people around her. She has a deep passion for business development and works in areas of pricing, sales, channel management, go-to-market strategy, commercial productivity, and business strategy.
With over 13 years of working independently, Alishia is no stranger to the trials and tribulations of being a serial entrepreneur. She holds a good sense of market demand and quickly grasps the dynamics of any industry that lands on her desk. From creating strategies to move products or creating brands that remain competitive in their respective landscapes, no task is too great as she demonstrates the ability to get the job done whilst maintaining positive client experiences. She has also quickly developed some legal knowledge and skills in trademark law that have allowed her to advance her career in the IP field. Alishia continues to shine in her different roles at the firm and is a great asset to the company.
Education
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Bachelor of Communications, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
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Strategic IP Management for Businesses by SMU Academy
Interests
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Reading
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Traveling with her family