Across China: Beijing

Chivas 'well-known'

The names Chivas - both in English and Chinese characters - and Chivas Regal in English were recently recognized by the Chinese Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry & Commerce as "well-known trademarks" in China, the first whisky brand to achieve the status.

Since its introduction to China two decades ago, Chivas Regal Scotch has grown into one of the top whisky brands in the country.

Recognition of Chivas as a well-known trademark in China will strengthen protection of the brand by preventing use or registration of the name Chivas in English or Chinese or Chivas Regal in English or similar words for any goods in China.

Crack in Green Dam

Jinhui Computer System Engineering Co and Dazheng Human Language Technology Co, Chinese developers of controversial software to filter pornography, may face legal action from the US makers of a similar Internet filter.

California-based software maker Solid Oak said it has "very solid evidence" to support charges of copyright infringement against the two Chinese companies and has sent cease and desist letters to Hewlett-Packard and Dell to stop distribution of computers with the software.

The company said it is also considering seeking an injunction in a US court.

The development puts in question the future of Green Dam-Youth Escort software, for which the government paid 41.7 million yuan, which it said must be included in all computers sold on the mainland from July 1.

Jenna DiPasquale, head of Solid Oak PR and marketing, said programming code from Solid Oak's CyberSitter program had been found in Green Dam software, which the government said is designed to protect youngsters from pornography and violence.

Law fellowship

Jones Day International Law Firm in Beijing recently announced the winners of its ninth annual International Legal Fellowship Awards.

The law firm selected eight outstanding law students from Beijing universities as part of the firm's commitment to encourage the study of law. The students come from different regions of China, including the provinces of Shaanxi, Shandong, Hubei, Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi and the city of Beijing.

Awards are based on academic record, original thought, oral and written presentation skills in English and Chinese as well as other achievements. Winners will receive 15,000 yuan each to support their education and experience in the legal area of their choice.

(China Daily 06/29/2009 page9)