Efforts increased to crack down on counterfeits

As the watchdog of the local market, the Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce has launched a series of special operations to maintain market order.

With the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia approaching, enforcement officials are paying special attention to sports businesses to prevent and curb infringements.

BAIC's Dongcheng district branch has recently checked sports businesses across its jurisdiction, both online and offline, and enhanced its supervision over the use of logo, trademarks and graphics related to the soccer gala.

During one check, enforcement officials found an online travel agency offering sports tickets highlighting terms such as "World Cup" and "Russia 2018" on its websites, which indicate the 2018 FIFA event.

The expressions may infringe on trademarks owned by FIFA, the international soccer governing body, said the enforcement officials at the Dongcheng branch. The travel agency is now under investigation.

The officials said they will strike a blow for intellectual property protection and increase cross-regional, multi-department cooperation.

Well-known trademarks have long been a key group under supervision on the agenda of BAIC. Its Xicheng district branch has initiated four special operations targeted at Apple-branded copycats, after receiving information from consumers.

The enforcement officials raided 12 Apple stores across the district and seized 156 accessories carrying the Apple logo. The seizure worth more than 200,000 yuan ($31,407) included batteries, smartphone and tablet covers, headsets, USB cables and power adapters.

(China Daily 05/11/2018 page24)