You Need a China Brand Protection Strategy China’s position as a global manufacturing hub makes it a fertile ground for counterfeit goods, and China leads the world in counterfeiting, by far. To protect your intellectual property (IP) effectively in China, a strategic approach is essential. This guide will walk you through the key steps—from trademark
In Penn State Vintage Trademarks: Protecting the Future via the Past I reecently wrote a blog post that discussed a recent case in the United States, where Penn State University successfully defended its vintage sports logos against unauthorized use, highlighting the significance of safeguarding historic/vintage trademarks. Trademark protection for retro and vintage designshas also long
China Software Licensing Agreements Licensing software in China presents distinct challenges, especially when it comes to understanding whether your licensing agreement needs to be registered with the Chinese government. This can be unclear, with regulations varying by district. In this post, I will break down when registration is required (and when it isn’t) and offer
Bad Faith Trademark Filings in China China is a Hotspot for Trademark Squatting Every year, thousands of international brands discover that their trademarks have already been registered in China by third-party entities. Imagine spending years building a brand, only to be locked out of the Chinese market by an opportunistic trademark squatter. For companies caught
China Product Development Agreements Navigating product development is critical, especially when partnering with Chinese manufacturers. This stage is laden with risks that can jeopardize the entire project. In this post, I will delve into the crucial role of China Product Development Agreements, and how to avoid the common mistakes foreign companies make when having their
Trademark Protection for International Companies Thinking your trademarks are safe just because you registered them? Think again—especially if your business is expanding abroad. Trademark protection is crucial for companies manufacturing and distributing products overseas. While many large multinationals have armies of lawyers monitoring their intellectual property rights (IPR), small- and medium-sized businesses expanding internationally often
A Guide to China Customs IP Recordation Protecting your intellectual property (IP) in and from China is not an option—it’s an imperative, especially if you are having your products made in China. Protecting your IP from China requires a strategic approach to IP registration, especially given the prevalence of counterfeiting and the complexity of China’s
Debunking Common China IP Myths Understanding intellectual property (IP) rights and navigating counterfeiting challenges in China are essential yet daunting tasks for foreign businesses. Despite a reputation marred by complex IP issues, much of the conventional wisdom on the subject is based on outdated information or persistent myths. In this post, we address and debunk
China’s Corporate Espionage Playbook Reports of intellectual property (IP) theft and corporate espionage involving China are nothing new. For those familiar with China’s business practices, these stories come as no surprise. However, recent insights from U.S. intelligence highlight how China’s tactics are evolving, creating new challenges for foreign companies. Your China IP Risks are Human,
China Licensing Negotiations Our China lawyers have been increasingly drafting contracts for foreign companies licensing their brand names, concepts, or technologies for use in China. Historically, this type of licensing was primarily confined to the industrial sector. Nowadays, a significant portion of our work involves crafting licensing agreements for companies eager to tap into the
