Shantou Custom Intercepted World Cup Infringing Products---3600 FIFA Wristlets

It is learned from Shantou Customs that recently the customs intercepted 3600 plastic wristlets with the representation of “FIFA” and its figure from the baggage of three passengers leaving the country.

During the period of World Cup Football Game, some illegal merchants from home and abroad, for some illegal benefits, produce and sell various infringing products relating to World Cup. To prevent these infringing products passing in and out from the custom, Shantou customs strengthened the protection of the intellectual property concerning German World Cup products. By using intellectual property custom protection registration and application administration system, the Shantou customs has made research and comparison of relevant registration right, designated goods and licensing contract information, improves the intellectual property custom protection consciousness of the custom officials and strengthens the control and examination of infringing goods.

June 13, 2006                           Source: Special Zone Evening

Community Patent Will Not Protect Software

On May 24, 2006, the European Union Committee (EUC) declared that the Community Patent Legislation will not protect computer program.

The EUC argues in the declaration that it is prescribed by Article 28.1(a) of the Community Patent Legislation (draft) that, when the patent with technical subject such as computer software etc. meets appeal, the court can declare the invalidity of the patent according to Article 51 of the European Patent Pact of “contents not being granted patent right”. Once this law relating to the Community patent is legislated, the EPO (European Patent Office)will also be restricted by it and cannot grant patent right for software.

Although the EU has made the above declaration, the chairman of FFII still thinks that it is not enough even if the authorized court of Community Patent Legislation makes invalidity declaration to the software patent. The EPO should set independent appealing procedure instead of forcing enterprises confined to the expensive proceeding of ECJ(European Court of Justice). The procedure of civil action is too expensive for the middle and small enterprises and it will be a heavy burden for the software industry.

June 13, 2006         Source: Chinese Intellectual Property Newspaper

“GuGong” And “ZiJinCheng” from Beijing Recognized As National Well-known Marks

It is known from State Administration of Industry and Commerce that in the former part of this year, there are totally 74 marks recognized as well-known marks. Among these marks five are from Beijing, including “GuGong” and “ZiJinCheng” of the Palace Museum, “Xuelian” of Beijing Xuelian Cashmere Stock Co. Ltd., “Yuhong” of Beijing Oriental Yuhong Waterproof Technology Stock Co. Ltd., “Pengcheng” of Beijing Shunxin Agriculture Stock Co. Ltd. Pengcheng Food Subsidiary.

In addition, the well-known marks also include “Diamond” jewelry, “Beijirong” warm underwear, “Tanmujiang” wooden comb, “KODAK” film, “SΛMSUNG” television, and “L’OREAL” cosmetics etc.

June 8, 2006                                    Source: Beijing Times

The Proseminar on the Protection of Sino-European Trademark And Copyright Was Held in Beijing

The proseminar on the protection of Sino-European trademark and copyright was held in Beijing on June 7, 2006. The undersecretary of Commercial Ministry Ma Xiuhong, the EU Trade commissioner Mandelson presented and addressed at the closing ceremony.

Ma Xiuhong said that the success of this proseminar indicates again the good cooperation between China and Europe in intellectual property. She also said, under the dialogue system and workgroup conference system in intellectual property of Sino-European, they have exchanged their opinions on many topics thoroughly. The Chinese side introduced the measures of strengthening the protection of intellectual property since 2006. It makes the better understanding of the two sides. She hopes that this kind of cooperation will continue.

Mandelson indicated that the EU has realized the efforts and progress made by Chinese government and other organs in the protection of intellectual property in the past few years. He appreciates the sincerity of Chinese officials in this aspect. He said that China and Europe can be reciprocal in trade and economy. The EU has the desire to help China to make progress in intellectual property under the condition of fairness and respect.

After the proseminar, Ma Xiuhong and Mandelson co-presented at the signature ceremony of Understanding Memoire of International Famous Brands United Protecting Right Enterprises and Beijing Partial Market Service Management Organs on Strengthening Market Management and Stopping Sales of Counterfeited Goods Timely and Efficiently.

June 9, 2006                  Source: website of Commercial Ministry

Zhejiang “Zhenglong” Mark Is Registered in Russia

After obtaining a profit of $12.5 million by export last year, Zhejiang Zhenglong Food Co. Ltd. puts the focus on Russia this year. The sub-plant of the company in Russia will be put into production in a few days. The powerful status of “Zhenglong” brand in Russia will be consolidated.

Since the end of 2004, both foreign and domestic trade business of the company has been on a rise rapidly, especially the profits which increased markedly from the export to Russia, United States, Korea and Japan. Both the production and sales are in good condition. But the problem of the simplicity of products appears at the same time. To fasten the development of the company and grasp the opportunity, after planning and discussion for many times, the leadership of the company decides to take ocean leisure products as main products and adjust the production structure and develop various kinds of serial products with the serial sleeve-fish products as main products.

With the development of internet, the company makes full use of internet information technology and seeks for multi-channels to exploit international market. On one hand, the company publishes the research and development of new products and collects information on the internet; on the other hand, it makes use of the business channel to carry out the trade on the internet, which receives good effects. The sales amount of foreign trade business on the internet exceeds $4 million in 2005. The international market is developed further. To protect the powerful status of “Zhenglong” products in Russian market, after taking series of measures of opening trade window in Russia, registering the mark “Zhenglong” in Russia and marked registration in original production place etc., the company sees the profitable Russian market and the brand advantage of the company in Russia and prepares to build a plant in Russia. The Russian will be able to enjoy the “Zhenglong” ocean products made in their own country soon.

June 9, 2006                  Source: Chinese Food Quality Newspaper