Category: 3. Business

MG Motors has introduced an interest-free installment plan for its HS Trophy SUV in Pakistan. Customers can purchase the vehicle with a 0% markup over a tenure of 18 months.

According to the official offer, buyers are required to make a 50% down payment for the vehicle, which is priced at Rs. 8,399,000.

Model	Vehicle Price (PKR)	Down Payment (50%)	Tenure	Monthly Installment (EMI)
MG HS Trophy	8,399,000	4,199,500	18 months	233,306

This limited-time plan is available through authorized MG dealerships across the country.

The MG HS Trophy features a sporty exterior, modern interior, and performance-oriented design.

Customers can contact MG at UAN 042 111 111 664 or visit a nearby showroom for further details.

This article was co-authored with Alyson Poole, with thanks to Jerome Messiha.

Overview

IP Australia released the Australian IP Report 2025 (IP Report), providing the latest IP trends, statistics and policy developments across Australia. In this article we explore the trends and developments across key industries including consumer markets, energy and transport, pharmaceuticals and computer and AI technology. More importantly, it provides insights into where IP value is being recognised through registration and protection, enabling commercialisation opportunities, unlocking value and creating economic drivers amongst fierce international competition.

The value proposition for a proactive IP strategy

IP does not sit in isolation from your business strategy. IP can power growth strategies which attract investment, and fuels research and development (R&D) to drive productivity and profitability.

According to the IP Report, Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who apply to register their IP to build their monopoly rights, thereby protecting their points of market differentiation, are 16 per cent more likely to experience high employment growth than SMEs who don’t.  ^{For startups, the IP Report highlights that investors directly price IP into company value, increasing valuation by approximately 20 per cent.}

The IP Report data also indicates that registering your business brands as trade marks promotes real business expansion and investment in innovation. Trade mark filings were found to be a strong indicator of sustained innovation and competition with the Report indicating that businesses that register their trade marks employ 7 per cent more people and spend 5 per cent more on R&D.  ^{They also lower the expense of introducing and marketing new products by reducing costs associated with consumer searches.}

Perhaps most importantly, the IP Report statistics show an 8 per cent revenue increase for product launches backed by trade mark rights, indicating a clear trade mark strategy makes new product launches more profitable and sustainable.

International players

The IP Report highlights that Australia is an attractive market for global innovators through the dominance of non-resident filings. In 2024, approximately 91.5 per cent of standard patent applications and 43.5 per cent of trade mark filings came from overseas.  ^{For overseas innovators, filings in Australia serve as a springboard for expansion into the Asia-Pacific market. In turn, the heightened competition shapes local markets, especially in fast-moving sectors including transport, biotechnology and consumer electronics.}

The key international players continue to be the US and China, although the trends show that patent filings from the US decreased by 6.2 per cent.  ^{Meanwhile, filings from China increased 5.2 per cent for patents, 45.4 per cent for trade marks and 65.5 per cent for designs.  These figures are significant and indicate a desire to invest in business opportunities in Australia, largely driven by activity in electric vehicles (EV’s), batteries and transport technologies with companies such as BYD, MG and Chery rapidly gaining market share in Australia. The e-commerce boom also appears to be a key driver for China’s trade mark filings for household goods.}

Consumer markets

In 2024, trade mark filings increased overall only marginally. Increased activity was primarily observed across household goods, and personal items such as clothing, footwear and headgear.

The IP Report links these increases to sales arising through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Temu, which drive fierce international competition.   ^{These product areas are also amongst the most vulnerable to counterfeiting. Therefore, businesses operating in these areas should prioritise registering their trade marks and designs to both protect their IP assets and to ensure they can protect their market share and opportunities.}

Energy and transport

The IP Report filing statistics show that energy and transport continue to be high-growth market areas. This will continue to be the case while a large number of economies have a decarbonisation agenda.

2024 saw a continuation of the increasing surge in patent filings in electric power technologies and transport, including EV’s and battery systems. Transport technologies were amongst the fastest-growing classes in IP filings across patents, trade marks and designs with China accounting for 58.8 per cent of growth in transport patents over the last decade.  ^{Australian filings in electric machinery and renewable energy also grew, showing domestic innovation and market demand for clean energy.}

With increased competition, domestic businesses must prioritise building strong IP portfolios across patents, trade marks and designs to protect their own innovation, support long-term productivity and commercial strategies while ensuring they remain competitive with international entrants. SMEs in this space can also use their own IP portfolios to drive partnership opportunities with international market entrants.

Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology

Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology remain at the forefront of innovation, projected to deliver sustained growth, with industry revenue forecast to climb nearly 4 per cent annually to 2030.  Innovations in this space often require years of R&D investment. This emphasises the importance of adequate patent protection for domestic innovators to offset the risk of losing market exclusivity which could limit their ability to recoup costs and fund future innovation.

In 2024, although patent filings across pharmaceutical and health technology declined overall by 3.3 per cent, biotechnology patent filings grew by 4.7 per cent in 2024 with strong contributions from Australia (+31.7 per cent).  Other notable contributions include China (+15.8 per cent), France (+9.0 per cent), Switzerland (+3.0 per cent) and the US (+2.5 per cent).

Overall, top filers include biotechnology companies Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Amgen^{, indicating that innovation is shifting towards biopharmaceuticals and AI drug manufacturing. Top domestic filers include education and research institutions such as Monash University and CSIRO.  Australian innovators may consider collaboration and licensing opportunities with these institutions to enhance Australia’s global positioning in life sciences innovation.}

Computers and AI

AI and advanced computer technology are continuing to reshape industries, economies and everyday life. It forms the backbone of innovation in many high-growth industries such as health, energy, finance, and consumer products. IP is central to developments in these areas, even if the law is struggling to keep up with the pace of developments.

In 2024, lead domestic patent filers included gaming technology producer Aristocrat Technologies and design software company Canva, focused on systems and methods for training AI models and automated image processing.  ^{Domestic innovators also face intense global competition from US, China and Korea who continue to dominate patent filings. Therefore, technology and AI startups looking to expand into global markets must be proactive with patent and trademark filings to protect their brands and R&D investments.}

Increased competitiveness and continued growth in this industry highlights the importance of patent filings, particularly in the hardware that encapsulates these technologies. Due to the nuances associated with these cutting-edge innovations and their rapid development, it is more crucial than ever that innovators seek legal advice to best understand what aspects of the IP in their software, algorithms, data systems and AI models (and any other computer related developments) are protectable and how.

Key takeaways

Protecting your IP drives value and growth

Businesses who prioritise their IP portfolio are statistically shown to be more productive, making them better placed to scale, attract investment, and build long-term resilience. For startups, IP strengthens negotiating power with investors and partners. For established companies, trade marks and designs help to make new product launches more successful and create stronger, more sustainable brands.

Navigating global competition

Australia continues to draw heavy interest from overseas innovators. This influx raises the bar for local businesses, making proactive IP strategies essential — not only to defend market share but also to unlock opportunities for partnerships, licensing, commercialisation and international expansion.

Industry takeaways

1. Consumer markets: intensified competition in household and lifestyle products means protecting brands early and monitoring for infringement is crucial for domestic businesses to safeguard market presence with international players.
2. Energy and Transport: Innovation in EV’s, batteries and clean energy is continuously growing. Businesses in this space need strong IP portfolios to secure their inventions.
3. Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology: Projected growth in this sector highlights the necessity for patent protection and licensing arrangements to maintain market exclusivity and to enhance Australia’s positioning against international innovators.
4. Computers and AI: With technology evolving quickly, understanding what IP can be protected, and how, is critical to staying competitive.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) continue to fall short of their low-emission promise, emitting significantly more CO₂ in real-world driving than official ratings suggest, according to a new report by Transport & Environment (T&E).

The study analyzed data from over 800,000 vehicles across Europe and found that PHEVs sold in 2023 released almost five times more carbon dioxide than advertised. While manufacturers claim a 75% reduction in CO₂ compared to petrol cars, real-world results show only a 19% cut.

T&E highlighted that many PHEVs engage their combustion engine during so-called electric trips. On average, the engine kicks in for nearly one-third of electric-mode driving, mainly because the electric motors aren’t powerful enough to drive the car alone. Emissions vary based on the power ratio: PHEVs with strong electric motors (0.9 ratio) emit around 45 gCO₂/km, while weaker ones (0.5 ratio) emit over 100 gCO₂/km.

Longer electric ranges also don’t guarantee better emissions. Models rated for over 75 km of electric driving showed higher emissions than mid-range ones. Heavier weight and more powerful engines led to average CO₂ outputs of 202 g/km in charge-sustaining mode, about 25% higher than those with shorter ranges.

T&E’s report also noted that fuel use during “electric” driving adds up. Based on typical usage, drivers spend an extra €250 (PKR 82,000) per year on fuel even when driving in electric mode.

The study concludes that most PHEVs remain a transitional solution with more promise than performance. Without stronger electric motors, lower vehicle weight, and better incentives for actual electric use, their environmental benefits will remain overstated.

AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Core Scientific, Inc. (Nasdaq: CORZ) (“Core Scientific” or the “Company”), a leader in digital infrastructure for high-density colocation services and digital asset mining, today announced that at a special meeting of Core Scientific stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) held earlier today, the Company did not receive the requisite number of votes to approve the previously announced merger agreement with CoreWeave, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRWV).

The final voting results from the Special Meeting will be reported in a Form 8-K filed by Core Scientific with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

ABOUT CORE SCIENTIFIC

Core Scientific, Inc. (“Core Scientific” or the “Company”) is a leader in digital infrastructure for high-density colocation services and digital asset mining. We operate dedicated, purpose-built facilities for high-density colocation services and are a premier provider of digital infrastructure, software solutions and services to our third-party customers. We employ our own fleet of computers (“miners”) to earn digital assets for our own account and we are in the process of converting most of our existing facilities to support artificial intelligence-related workloads and next generation colocation services. We currently derive the majority of our revenue from earning digital assets for our own account but expect to rapidly increase revenue derived from high-density colocation (“HDC”). We currently intend to repurpose our remaining facilities currently used in our digital asset mining businesses to support our high-density colocation computing services business as circumstances allow and in a manner designed to retain access to electrical power under our control, maximize the value of our digital asset mining equipment to third parties, and fulfill our existing obligations to suppliers and customers. Our facilities are located in Alabama (1), Georgia (2), Kentucky (1), North Carolina (1), North Dakota (1), Oklahoma (1) and Texas (3). To learn more, visit www.corescientific.com.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “aim,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including: our ability to earn digital assets profitably and to attract customers for our high density colocation capabilities; our ability to perform under our existing colocation agreements, our ability to maintain our competitive position in our existing operating segments, the impact of increases in total network hash rate; our ability to raise additional capital to continue our expansion efforts or other operations; our need for significant electric power and the limited availability of power resources; the potential failure in our critical systems, facilities or services we provide; the physical risks and regulatory changes relating to climate change; potential significant changes to the method of validating blockchain transactions; our vulnerability to physical security breaches, which could disrupt our operations; a potential slowdown in market and economic conditions, particularly those impacting high density computing, the blockchain industry and the blockchain hosting market; price volatility of digital assets and bitcoin in particular; potential changes in the interpretive positions of the SEC or its staff with respect to digital asset mining firms; the likelihood that U.S. federal and state legislatures and regulatory agencies will enact laws and regulations to regulate digital assets and digital asset intermediaries; changing expectations with respect to ESG policies; the effectiveness of our compliance and risk management methods; the adequacy of our sources of recovery if the digital assets held by us are lost, stolen or destroyed due to third-party digital asset services; Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates and beliefs as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.

Although the Company believes that in making such forward-looking statements its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, such statements may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected. The Company cannot assure you that the assumptions upon which these statements are based will prove to have been correct. Additional important factors that may affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial position are described from time to time in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251030166711/en/

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Source: Core Scientific, Inc.

Released October 30, 2025

The second edition of the Xiaomi POP Run 2025 took over the Jinnah Sports Complex, uniting fitness enthusiasts, families, and the Xiaomi community for a high-energy celebration of health, innovation, and togetherness.

With over 1,300 runners and total attendance crossing 2,000 participants, the event marked one of Xiaomi’s most vibrant community experiences in Pakistan to date.

Held under the global theme “Passion Beyond Limits,” this year’s 5KM run captured the true essence of inclusivity and community spirit. Participants from all age groups from a 7-year-old to a remarkable 76-year-old joined the marathon, proving that fitness knows no boundaries. Both were honored with a Xiaomi Smart Band 10 for their inspiring efforts.

Event Details

Xiaomi also set up an exclusive Product Experience Booth, showcasing its latest innovations across smartphones, AIoT devices, home appliances, wearables, and TWS products, allowing visitors to experience the brand’s technology firsthand. Attendees explored cutting-edge devices like the Xiaomi 15T Series and Redmi Note 14 lineup, further connecting fitness with innovation.

Adding a star-studded touch, popular creators Ukhano and Amna Youzasaif participated in the run, interacting with fans and sharing the experience across social media. Their presence, alongside 70+ KOLs, created significant digital buzz, generating 1,500+ attendee stories and over 300 influencer posts, amplifying the event’s online visibility across platforms.

Beyond social media, the event enjoyed strong mainstream media coverage from Hum News, GTV, The Frontier Post, Jehan Pakistan, and Daily Nayi Baat, complemented by four digital billboards displayed across Islamabad in the days leading up to the marathon.

Reflecting on the successful turnout, a Xiaomi spokesperson shared: “Bringing POP Run to Pakistan has been a goal for us, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the incredible participation this year. This event reflects Xiaomi’s commitment to the Pakistani community, uniting our shared passion for fitness, innovation, and technology.”

With an electrifying atmosphere and a seamless blend of technology and wellness, Xiaomi POP Run 2025 concluded as a resounding success — embodying the brand’s vision of a healthy, active, and connected lifestyle. The event once again reaffirmed Xiaomi’s growing bond with the Pakistani community and its ongoing mission to inspire passion beyond limits.

Prizes

The competition’s top three male and female winners received cash prizes of

• 1st Place: PKR 150,000
• 2nd Place: PKR 100,000
• 3rd Place: PKR 50,000

Along with Xiaomi Smart Band 10 for all top5 winners. Additionally, the first 800 finishers proudly wore commemorative medals, while 25 more Smart Bands were distributed through engaging on-ground activities and lucky draws, adding excitement throughout the day.

Zong has once again emerged as the top-performing mobile network in Pakistan, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) independent Quality of Service (QoS) survey for the third quarter of 2025.

The survey, which covered 17 cities and two major roads, and included roughly 46,000 voice calls and SMS tests plus about 0.33 million broadband samples, placed Zong first in several critical categories, including 4G coverage, voice quality, and SMS performance, and multiple broadband throughput metrics.

Jazz was in second place overall, while Ufone and Telenor came in at 3rd and 4th, respectively. Here is a detailed breakdown of network rankings in each performance category.

4G Coverage and Voice Calls

Zong led the chart in mobile network coverage across 15 cities for 4G and in 11 cities for 3G, placing it first in the coverage ranking. By comparison, Jazz recorded 13 compliant 4G city results and Ufone 12, while Telenor lagged with compliance in only six cities for 4G.

In terms of voice calls, which is a composite of Network Accessibility, Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Call Connection Time (CCT), Call Completion Ratio (CCR), and Mean Opinion Score (MOS), Zong topped the standings with 86 compliant voice QoS KPIs against 9 non-compliant.

Latency and Web Browsing

Latency results show a more nuanced performance. In the PTA’s auto-mode latency, Zong’s average was higher than the very best performers (the survey summary shows average latencies of Jazz ~68 ms, Telenor ~67 ms, Zong ~77 ms, and Ufone ~98 ms), placing Zong behind Jazz and Telenor on this specific metric. However, in 3rd-party app latency testing, Zong remained broadly compliant across almost all cities (18 compliant, 1 non-compliant), tying it with Ufone for second place in the 3rd-party latency standings.

For web page loading time, Zong trailed leaders Ufone and Jazz (Zong was compliant in 13 cities and non-compliant in 5), indicating that while Zong’s raw throughput and upload performance are ahead of others, web-page QoE still favored some competitors in a handful of locations.

Jazz remained competitive, particularly for auto-mode download throughput (leading in 11 cities), and Telenor and Ufone each led in selected non-service KPIs (latency, web page loading) across parts of the survey footprint.

This is a comparative report and does not cover all of Pakistan. A mobile network winning this survey does not mean it is a flawless performer, but simply ahead of others in the 17 cities covered in the test.