'Lack of paper' points to dereliction of duty

THE TRADEMARK OFFICE of China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce has not issued a single trademark registration certificate in more than seven months, as it lacks the "paper" used to print them. Beijing Youth Daily commented on Monday:

The trademark registration certificate means a lot to a brand and the enterprise that owns it, as relevant products cannot enter the market without it. It also offers enterprises protection for their intellectual properties.

That the trademark authorities have failed to issue registration certificates for seven months without informing all parties concerned has not only caused considerable losses to the waiting enterprises, but also showcased inefficiency and dereliction of duty on the part of authorities.