Binzhou ETDZ in Shandong advances IP protection

The Binzhou ETDZ has implemented a strategy for IP rights to promote the high-quality development of local enterprises. [Photo by Wu Lingyan for chinadaily.com.cn]

In recent years, the Binzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone (Binzhou ETDZ) in Shandong has implemented a strategy for intellectual property (IP) rights to promote the high-quality development of local enterprises.

The zone is exploring the implementation of projects to advance IP rights, continuously stimulating the innovative vitality of market entities, and creating a first-class business environment that supports innovative development through IP.

Enterprises are the mainstay of the market economy and the main actors in the creation, application, and protection of IP rights. The Binzhou ETDZ is continuously improving the top-level design for strengthening intellectual property rights.

The zone has established the Brand Creation Award. Companies that are recognized for the first time as international, national, or provincial well-known products are granted subsidies of 1 million yuan ($138,048), 500,000 yuan, and 200,000 yuan, respectively, which has further increased incentives for the creation and utilization of IP rights. A total of over 1.2 million yuan has been disbursed in funding for quality, standards, and invention patents, significantly boosting enthusiasm for innovation and creation among market entities.

The Binzhou ETDZ has been actively guiding enterprises to build distinctive, highly competitive, and reputable industry cluster brands and regional brands. It has mobilized eligible enterprises to actively apply for various quality and brand-related awards at all levels.

The entire area currently has five patent agencies, with 293 effective invention patents, 119 high-value patents, three well-known trademarks, five Madrid trademarks, and six PCT patents. Five companies have been awarded a total of nine standards, including national standards, provincial standards, industry standards, and group standards. Seventeen companies have filed with the provincial protection center, with 10 patents passing the preliminary review at the provincial protection center. One company has received the 24th China Patent Excellence Award.