Monthly Archives: October 2024

The 2024 AIPPI World Intellectual Property Congress Successfully Held in Hangzhou: A New Chapter for Global IP and Innovation

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The 2024 AIPPI World Intellectual Property Congress Successfully Held in Hangzhou: A New Chapter for Global IP and Innovation

From October 19 to 22, 2024, the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) hosted its World Intellectual Property Congress in the historic and culturally rich city of Hangzhou, China. This marked the first time in AIPPI’s 127-year history that the World IP Congress was held in China, making it a significant event not only for Hangzhou but for the entire country. It presented a unique opportunity for China to showcase its growing influence and achievements in intellectual property.

Background and Importance of the Congress Founded in 1897, AIPPI is a non-profit international organization dedicated to the development and advancement of intellectual property rights worldwide. Each year, the AIPPI Congress brings together IP experts and representatives from around the globe to discuss key issues and challenges in the field. The theme of this year's congress was "Balanced Protection of IP and Innovation Development," which focused on how to protect intellectual property while fostering innovation and economic growth.

Hosting this year’s congress in China reflects the international community’s recognition of China’s remarkable progress in IP development. Moreover, it offered China a platform to engage with the global IP community, showcasing its contributions and the ongoing evolution of its intellectual property systems.

Key Highlights and Activities

The 2024 AIPPI Congress attracted 2,259 attendees from 92 countries and regions, with over 1,500 international participants. This was the largest AIPPI Congress ever held outside of Europe, both in terms of total attendees and the diversity of countries represented.

The congress featured a wide range of events, including an opening ceremony, welcome reception, national and regional president meetings, plenary sessions, thematic forums, an Executive Committee meeting, IP bureau directors’ luncheon, live court hearings on patent infringement cases, and a cultural night. The discussion topics spanned all key areas of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs.

Notably, the China-themed forum, a major highlight of the congress, invited Chinese government officials and judges to share the latest developments in China’s IP examination and protection processes. Participants also had the unique opportunity to observe live court hearings on patent infringement cases at the Hangzhou Intermediate People's Court, providing insight into the rigor and professionalism of China’s judicial protection system.

Hangzhou’s IP Development and City Appeal
Hangzhou, the host city, has garnered significant attention for its achievements in the intellectual property space. In recent years, Hangzhou has fostered internationally competitive IP companies and brands, establishing a robust system for IP protection and services. The city’s successful hosting of the AIPPI Congress further underscored its role as a leading center for IP innovation.

Beyond intellectual property, Hangzhou captivated participants with its cultural and scenic allure. From the picturesque beauty of West Lake to the city’s vibrant tech and entrepreneurial scene, Hangzhou seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, leaving a lasting impression on its visitors.

Conclusion and Outlook

The successful conclusion of the 2024 AIPPI World Intellectual Property Congress not only provided new insights into global IP protection and innovation development but also reinforced China’s growing prominence in the global intellectual property landscape. As a result of the congress, participants gained a deeper understanding of China’s IP policies and practices, paving the way for further international cooperation in the field of intellectual property.

[Trademark Registration Tips] Hong Kong Company Trademark Registration Fees and Proceduresslightly

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[Trademark Registration Tips] Hong Kong Company Trademark Registration Fees and Proceduresslightly

Trademark registration is not just for big companies, entrepreneurs also need to pay attention to this aspect! When it comes to "Apple", "Starbucks", "Adidas", these brand logos have been deeply rooted in people's hearts and become the symbol of their success. A trademark is an important external symbol of a company. A unique and easy-to-remember trademark can help consumers quickly identify products and services, allowing the company to stand out from the competition. In recent years, trademark infringement disputes have emerged in an endless stream, and trademark registration has become an effective way to protect exclusive rights of use. What are the procedures, fees, time required and precautions for registering a trademark in Hong Kong? Let usAccolade IPDiscuss with you.

Basic Concepts of Trademark Registration

What is Trademark Registration??

Trademark Registration (Trademarks registration) refers to a trademark that is legally recognized to distinguish the goods or services of different businesses. A trademark can be composed of words, letters, numbers, graphics, colors, or even sounds or smells, but only marks that can be written or represented by drawings can be registered.

In daily life, we often see some trademarks or authorized products with "R®"、"C©"、"TM™", these symbols indicate the protection status of the trademark. These symbols have different meanings and levels of legal protection.

©

C（Copyright)

Copyright symbol，a mark indicating that a work is protected by copyright and is recognized as authentic.

TM

TM（Trademark)

Trademark symbol，which means that the current status of the trademark is "unregistered trademark" or "trademark application in progress". It should be noted that since the trademark has not yet been registered, it is not protected by law, so there is a risk of being preempted by others.

®

R（Registered)

Registered Trademark Symbol，which means that the trademark has been registered, enjoys exclusive rights, and has the obligation to use it. According to the current laws of Hong Kong, unregistered trademarks cannot use the "®" symbol

Why register a trademark?

Why is trademark registration important? If a business fails to register a trademark, it may face the risk of being misappropriated or counterfeited by competitors or unscrupulous businesses, which may lead to consumers being misled, business damage, and even brand disaster, and ultimately the loss of trademark ownership. However, it is not only large companies that need to register trademarks. Every entrepreneur who wants to prosper should prepare in advance. In addition, trademark registration can also prevent inadvertent infringement of other people's trademark rights, thereby avoiding infringement disputes.

Why is trademark registration important? If a business fails to register a trademark, it may face the risk of being misappropriated or counterfeited by competitors or unscrupulous businesses, which may lead to consumers being misled, business damage, and even brand disaster, and ultimately the loss of trademark ownership. However, it is not only large companies that need to register trademarks. Every entrepreneur who wants to prosper should prepare in advance. In addition, trademark registration can also prevent inadvertent infringement of other people's trademark rights, thereby avoiding infringement disputes.

Why is trademark registration important? If a business fails to register a trademark, it may face the risk of being misappropriated or counterfeited by competitors or unscrupulous businesses, which may lead to consumers being misled, business damage, and even brand disaster, and ultimately the loss of trademark ownership. However, it is not only large companies that need to register trademarks. Every entrepreneur who wants to prosper should prepare in advance. In addition, trademark registration can also prevent inadvertent infringement of other people's trademark rights, thereby avoiding infringement disputes.

Why is trademark registration important? If a business fails to register a trademark, it may face the risk of being misappropriated or counterfeited by competitors or unscrupulous businesses, which may lead to consumers being misled, business damage, and even brand disaster, and ultimately the loss of trademark ownership. However, it is not only large companies that need to register trademarks. Every entrepreneur who wants to prosper should prepare in advance. In addition, trademark registration can also prevent inadvertent infringement of other people's trademark rights, thereby avoiding infringement disputes.

Why is trademark registration important? If a business fails to register a trademark, it may face the risk of being misappropriated or counterfeited by competitors or unscrupulous businesses, which may lead to consumers being misled, business damage, and even brand disaster, and ultimately the loss of trademark ownership. However, it is not only large companies that need to register trademarks. Every entrepreneur who wants to prosper should prepare in advance. In addition, trademark registration can also prevent inadvertent infringement of other people's trademark rights, thereby avoiding infringement disputes.

 

Importance of Trademark Registration

A trademark is a unique sign that helps consumers identify the source of goods or services. This is essential for guiding consumers to make brand purchases or consumption. Through trademarks, consumers can clearly know which company or brand the products or services they purchase come from. In addition, trademarks also help companies stand out in market competition. A unique and easily recognizable trademark can attract consumers' attention and increase sales of products or services. At the same time, trademarks are also an important tool for corporate advertising. Through trademarks, companies can effectively convey their brand information and values.

Trademark registration can also provide legal protection for a business. After registering a trademark, a business can prevent others from using its trademark, thereby protecting its customers. If others use a trademark that is identical or similar to yours, you can request compensation. In addition, if you do not register your trademark, you may inadvertently infringe on the trademark rights of others, which may require you to pay a huge amount of compensation. Finally, registering a trademark can also lay the foundation for the sustainable development of a business. A trademark can be licensed to others through transfer, authorization or inheritance. This is very beneficial to the expansion and development of a business.

In general, trademark registration is essential to the development and success of a business. It not only helps a business stand out in market competition, but also provides legal protection for the business, avoids trademark disputes, and thus protects the interests of the business. Therefore, trademark registration is essential for any business that hopes to succeed in the market.

 

Differences between trademark registration, company registration, and business registration

Trademark registration, company registration and business registration are all important matters to consider when doing business, but they have different purposes and scopes. Some people may wonder why a trademark registration is necessary since the company has already been registered? In fact, the registration of company names and trademarks are regulated by different laws and systems. The registration of company names is handled by the Companies Registry, while trademark registration is handled by the Trademark Registry. Simply by having a business registration certificate or a certificate of company registration, it does not mean that the company has the right to use its name as a trademark to promote or operate its goods or services:

  1. Trademark registration: A trademark is the most important symbol for identifying a company. Consumers can effectively distinguish your products and services from those of your competitors through trademarks. Successfully registering a company's product or service trademark brand means obtaining exclusive rights to the trademark, avoiding infringement by others (and avoiding infringement of others' trademark rights), and even being able to expand the market and increase revenue through authorization, transfer, etc.
  2. Company Registration: Company registration is done at the Companies Registry, which establishes a formal identity for doing business. All local limited companies or non-Hong Kong companies incorporated outside Hong Kong and establishing a place of business in Hong Kong must first register with the Companies Registry.
  3. Business Registration: Business registration is done at the Business Registration Office. All businesses operating in Hong Kong are required to apply for business registration. Unincorporated businesses (such as sole proprietorships or partnerships) must submit an application within one month of commencing business.

 

Hong Kong Trademark Registration Inquiry and Search Methods

Before submitting a trademark registration application, it is recommended to conduct a trademark search to determine whether the trademark has been registered by someone else or is identical or similar to the trademark being applied for. This can reduce the risk of the trademark being rejected and avoid the loss of time and money caused by the application being rejected.

Search service: The Intellectual Property Office will inform the applicant whether there are any identical or similar trademarks in the trademark registry. If you want to save money, you can also search the trademark registry yourself in the online trademark search system before submitting your application. Although this method does not require any fees, the official search service will be more accurate.

Preliminary Opinion Service: This service provides a preliminary opinion on whether the proposed mark is sufficient to substantially distinguish the applicant's goods and services from those of other businesses.

If an applicant wishes to use the Trademark Registry's search and preliminary opinion service, he or she needs to complete Form T1 and send it together with the required fee back to the Trademark Registry or apply through the online system.

Trademark Registration Procedure

Step 1: Trademark Search

Before submitting your application, you will need to check if there are any identical or similar trademarks already registered or applied for registration. This is to ensure that your trademark is unique and does not conflict with other registered trademarks. For example, if you want to register a trademark called "Apple" but Apple has already registered this trademark, then you cannot register this trademark.

 

Step 2: Submit your application

Submit your application: Fill out and submit Form T2 with a clear image of your trademark. This stage requires you to provide the specific design and colors of your trademark and describe the elements of your trademark in detail. For example, if your trademark is a red apple, you will need to provide a clear image of a red apple and describe the image in detail in the form.

 

Step 3: Official Review

The Intellectual Property Office will review your application to make sure it meets the requirements for registration. This stage may take some time as the Intellectual Property Office needs to check your application in detail to make sure it does not infringe on the trademark rights of others.

 

Step 4: Review and Announcement

If your application passes the review, your trademark will be published. After the publication period, if no one raises an objection, your trademark can be successfully registered.

 

Things to note when registering a trademark

Trademark registration is an important process. Here are some things you need to pay attention to:

Ensure uniqueness: Before applying for a trademark, you must ensure that the trademark is unique and not similar to existing trademarks to avoid infringement and conflict.

Clearly define the product or service: When applying for a trademark, you need to clearly define the product or service category represented by the trademark to ensure that the scope of application of the trademark is clear and unambiguous.

Conduct trademark pre-check: After deciding the category and trademark image you wish to apply for, it is recommended that you check in advance whether others have already registered similar trademarks in the same category to avoid your application being challenged by others.

The method of trademark application must be the same as the actual use: to avoid falling into the situation that may be revoked under the Trademark Law.

Website URLs and full company names cannot be used for trademark registration: the unique words must be separated out for application.

Whether the trademark words or graphics violate matters that are not permitted under the Trademark Law: such as place names or maps, product raw material names, and other adjectives that directly describe the nature, quality, or other characteristics of the goods or services.

How to enforce your trademark rights

Trademark Search System

Before submitting a trademark registration application, trademark search is a crucial step. If there are other identical or similar prior applications in the same category of goods or services, which is likely to cause confusion among consumers, your trademark registration application is likely to be rejected by the authorities.

On this basis, you need to confirm the classification of your trademark first. The World Intellectual Property Organization has listed 45 categories according to the Nice International Classification of Goods and Services to help you confirm the scope of goods or services involved in the trademark registration. Among these 45 categories, Classes 1-34 are goods categories, and Classes 35-45 are service categories. The following are some common examples:

  • • Product categories (Classes 1-34) include: medicines, food, furniture, clothing, shoes and socks, computer peripherals and software, etc.
  • • Service categories (Class 35-45) include: advertising agency, import and export agency, business management, wholesale and retail, architectural design, medical services, education and training, travel arrangements, telecommunications and legal services, etc.

If you want to know more about international classification, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to provide you with advice and assistance.

Trademark FAQs

Q: What can be trademarked?

A: You can trademark a name, logo, slogan, or even a specific color or sound that is distinctive of your business.

 

Q:How long does the trademark registration process take?

A:The process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the jurisdiction and any legal challenges.

 

Q:How long does trademark protection last?

A:A registered trademark is usually valid for 10 years and may be renewed indefinitely, provided that it continues to be used and the renewal fees are paid.

 

Q:Can I use my trademark before it is registered? ® Symbol?

A:No, you can only use it after your trademark is officially registered. ® symbol. Before this, you can use ™ Or SM.

 

Q:What is the difference between the ™ and ® symbols?

A:The ™ symbol indicates that you claim rights to the mark, while the ® symbol indicates that the mark is registered with the appropriate authority.

 

Q:What are the fees associated with trademark registration?

A:Fees vary by jurisdiction and may include filing fees, attorney fees, and maintenance costs over time.

 

Q:What is Trademark Search and why is it important?

A:A trademark search is a check for existing trademarks that may conflict with yours, helping to avoid legal issues and application rejections.

 

Q:Can I register my brand internationally?

A:Yes, you can register your trademark in multiple countries through international treaties such as the Madrid Protocol, ensuring global protection.