Navigating China Trademark Conflicts It used to be rare for one of our clients to be unable to secure a desired trademark in China because someone had beaten them to it. With the proliferation of trademark filings in China over the last 3-5 years, those halcyon days are over. When our pre-application screening turns up
A Strategic Approach to Global IP Protection While tidying up my inbox, I stumbled upon an old email I had sent to a Spanish client who had engaged our law firm to safeguard their IP across the globe. The below comes from our initial email, mapping out what we proposed we do to protect this
The Rise of China Distribution Agreements My law firm's China lawyers have recently seen an uptick in China distribution agreements for foreign companies seeking to sell their products and services in China. This surge is driven by growing concerns over the risks that come with having a foreign presence in China, including geopolitical tensions, and
China Copyright Protections China copyrights without registration Copyright stands out from other intellectual property rights for the protections it enjoys without registration, including in China. For trademarks, the only pathway to protection for an unregistered mark in China is by meeting the narrow definition of a "well-known trademark." By contrast, even works created outside of
You registered your trademark in China, meaning congratulations are in order for having taken this critical step to protect your intellectual property. Now, how do you leverage your trademark registration for maximum effect? Here are some tips: 1. Record Your Trademark with China Customs Recording your registered trademark with China Customs is an important safeguard
Protecting Your Brand Name as Manufacturing Leaves China The recent decade-low in China's manufacturing exports has pushed many Chinese factories into survival mode, leading to an escalation in trademark theft incidents as they seek new revenue channels. The ongoing trade skirmishes between China and economic powerhouses like the United States and the European Union have
China Trademarks and Global Political Conflicts Russia’s War and Its Impact on China Brands Russia's invasion of Ukraine highlights the brand risks international companies face when geopolitical conflicts force a market exit. Many companies that left Russia found their trademarks being used without their consent, leading to a devaluation of their brand. In particular, the
Fighting China IP Infringement: The Power of Cease-and-Desist Letters With IP infringement in China rising amid geopolitical tensions and China's sinking economy, many companies are scrambling to protect their intellectual property. But legal action can be slow and expensive. Well-crafted cease-and-desist letters can often provide a faster, more affordable recourse. My law firm's international IP
A China Trademark is a Terrible Thing to Waste I often get emails from people asking what my law firm charges for registering trademarks in China and I always respond by quoting our rate for a trademark analysis and stating that we will not "just" register their trademark in the category they tell us. If
Manufacturing in Mexico vs China A growing number of companies manufacturing in China are looking to move their manufacturing out of China entirely or to reduce their footprint there by adding manufacturing elsewhere. The choice of manufacturing location can profoundly impact cost-effectiveness, logistical efficiency, and overall competitiveness. This post focuses on the transition from manufacturing
