IP scene

Beijing

Increased IPR cases brought before courts

More than 5,600 people in some 3,300 cases were arrested on charges of intellectual property rights infringement in 2018, as China continues to heighten its IP protection measures, the country's IPR watchdog said in late April. Prosecutors across the country filed over 4,400 IP cases involving more than 8,300 people in 2018, according to the China National Intellectual Property Administration.

Xinhua

Professional agencies on the up across China

The number of patent agencies across China increased by 371, or a 20.3 percent growth from a year earlier, to nearly 2,200 in 2018, the China National Intellectual Property Administration announced in late April. To better regulate the IP service industry, the CNIPA requires that the agencies submit their annual report, based on which the authorities adjust their supervision. Last year, 79 agencies failed in their submission and were listed as "abnormal operations" by the CNIPA. In addition, 190 patent agencies, or more than 90 percent, of those newly founded last year benefited from the CNIPA's reform drive targeting the sector, as they are located in designated pilot provinces and cities.

China Daily

Ruling favors noted French wine brand

The Beijing Intellectual Property Rights Court ruled in favor of Chateau Lafite Rothschild in a trademark lawsuit at the end of April. The noted winemaker sought damages from wine dealers Guangdong Shantou Fajiala Trade and Beijing-based daily goods seller Laofanke Trade for using trademarks that are similar to its well-known brand, Lafite. The court ordered Fajiala to pay 2.1 million yuan ($310,340) in damages and other expenses, while Laofanke was exempted from liability as the court said the smaller company had exercised due diligence.

China Intellectual Property News

Hebei

Park protects proud Tangshan puppetry

A shadow puppetry-themed entertainment park opened in Tangshan earlier this month. Tangshan shadow puppetry is one of China's most influential shadow plays, famous for its exquisite handicraft, skillful manipulation and elegant music, said Li Xiaoyang, a folk expert. Li noted that Tangshan has stepped up protection of its shadow puppetry in recent years through various measures to draw a larger audience.

Xinhua

Shandong

IC R&D center to be built in Qingdao

The Academy of Integrated Circuit Innovation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences will invest in building a research and development center in Qingdao, with an agreement signed in the coastal city on April 29. The new project aims to become an R&D pinnacle and a tech achievements industrialization hub for the integrated circuit industry in northern China. Qingdao Mayor Meng Fanli said at the ceremony that the city government highly values the sector and is keen to attract related investment projects and professionals.

Qingdao Daily

Chongqing

First regional service system established

Chongqing has established a patent service system that helps with navigation in patent-related projects and operations, the first regional system of its kind in the country, according to the local intellectual property administration. The system covers all key businesses in the city and aids companies in their research and development, marketing drives and launches of new products.

Chinanews.com

(China Daily 05/09/2019 page17)