Alliance prevailing in push for better IP protection

To raise awareness of intellectual property protection, the China Anti-Infringement and Anti-Counterfeit Innovation Strategic Alliance is showcasing the achievements of crackdowns on IP infringements at the ongoing China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services.

"Crackdowns on infringements and counterfeits are an important part of IP protection and China's innovative construction and international image," said Sheng Daofeng, secretary-general of the alliance.

The alliance conducts exchanges and cooperation with similar organizations overseas, showcasing the progress in the country's IP environment, with the aim of maintaining a fair market and creating a friendly climate for innovation development, according to Sheng.

At the 2018 CIFTIS, the alliance is presenting the achievements of crackdowns on infringements in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei and Shanxi provinces, as well as the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

At a conference on fighting copyright piracy and counterfeiting on Tuesday, hosted by the alliance, officials from IP-related ministerial organizations, including the Ministry of Public Security, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the General Administration of Customs, took part in discussions on key issues.

Representatives of the World Intellectual Property Organization, the embassies of the United States, European Union and the United Kingdom in China shared their views about how foreign governments can protect Chinese IP rights holders abroad.

In addition, authoritative experts conducted discussions on hot topics, such as trademarks, patents, copyright and blockchain at an IP seminar for innovative companies.

Among the companies that shared their experiences of protecting IP at the fair were e-commerce giants Alibaba and JD, smartphone maker Xiaomi, leading Chinese liquor maker Fenjiu Group and time-honored Chinese brands, such as traditional Chinese medicine brand Tongrentang and Quanjude Roast Duck.

"Whether they are longstanding traditional businesses or high-tech startups, companies can't escape from the process of cracking down on counterfeit goods," said Zhao Zhongwei, chief operating officer of Segway-Ninebot, a global robot and intelligent transportation provider.

The company has registered its products with the customs of China, the EU and Southeast Asia countries.

When the fakes go through customs, they will be intercepted, said Zhao, adding that Segway-Ninebot would then be informed so as to prepare legal actions against the counterfeiters.

To date, the company has spent more than $10 million on legal actions, according to Zhao.

"Such legal procedures around the world have cost Segway-Ninebot much manpower and financial resources," Zhao said.

"We hope that the number of fakes can be reduced and we can fully concentrate on the research and development of our products in the future."

(China Daily 06/01/2018 page24)