"It’s all Chinese to me"

Many firms, including Scandinavian firms, have their products manufactured in China today. These goods are intended for export only; i.e. they are not at all sold in China. Hence, it has so far not been considered vitally important to have the firm’s trademarks registered in China as the common belief was that a valid national or Community trademark was adequate. However, this belief has proven wrong.

Several firms have discovered that their trademarks, being unprotected in China, not only are being copied and registered with the Chinese authorities, but also that applications for Customs Surveillances, based on these trademarks, are being filed. Subsequently, when exporting the firm’s products, Chinese Customs will seize them, as they infringe registered Chinese trademark rights. Now, this means trouble – big trouble.

Today, it is crucial to register your trademark in China. Even provable use of a trademark not registered in China is good for nothing – so, protect your mark and register.

To make matters worse, China is a country famous for the production and export of counterfeit goods – yet another good reason to have your trademark registered in China.

Awapatent has the experience and knowhow to assist you in solving your problems in China!
Awapatent in Denmark invites to a meeting "Made in China", in Horsens, Denmark on March 11, 2010 at 9:00 am to share with you the importance of actions to take when dealing with China. Invitations are available upon request at Awapatent in Denmark.

Ida Dinesen
Attorney at Law, European Trademark and Design Attorney

If you have any questions or want to comment on Ida's blog entry, please feel free to send her an e-mail.