WTO report deals blow to USTR On January 26 the WTO published its panel report on the controversial US China WTO case. Both sides scored points in a decision that raises as many questions as it answers, says Peter Ollier
Raising China's patent standards Janice Qu talks to Zhang Ping, professor at the law school and intellectual property school of Beijing University, about invention and utility model patents, and standard setting in China
2008: the year of intellectual property 2008 was an important year for China in many ways. But it also marked something of an awakening to the importance of intellectual property among the authorities and general public. Nongfan Zhu and Xiaohuan Qi of China Science Patent & Trademark Agent explain the most important developments
The radical third amendment The third amendment to China's Patent Law was finally passed in December 2008. Jones Day lawyers Benjamin Bai, Anthony Chen, Chiang Ling Li, Mark Cohen and Ann W Chen examine its implications
Features of Swiss-type claims Methods for the diagnosis or treatment of diseases can receive protection in China if presented in a Swiss-type claim. Liantao Li and Tina H. Tai from China Patent Agent (HK) explain this process
Successfully amending patents The way patent application amendments work in China differs from other parts of the world and foreign applicants can misunderstand the systems and guidelines used. Qi Wang and Zhengyun Luo of DEQI Intellectual Property Law Corporation explain the differences
New rules for design patents The rules governing design patents are about to change for the better, according to Scott Zhang, a partner at Kangxin Partners. He explains the implications of the impending changes
Making the most of China's patent laws China now has more applications for design patents annually than any other country in the world. But only a small number are generated by foreign companies. Hao Qingfen and Xu Jing of Dragon IP in Beijing give guidance on how foreign companies could better utilise the Chinese patent system
Lost in translation Successfully introducing foreign trade marks into Chinese culture can be a minefield. Guizeng (Wayne) Liu, of law firm CCPIT Patent and Trademark Law Office in Beijing, explains how to avoid the pitfalls
An overlooked but powerful tool The utility model patent represents a faster and cheaper way of registering a patent. But few foreign firms use them. Stephen Yang, a patent attorney and a partner with Peksung Intellectual Property, explains their benefits
Understanding patent infringement cases Patent infringement court proceedings are the most common type of patent case to go to court in China. Yi Wenhui and Liu Yungui from Hylands Law Firm explain the processes used, the time such cases take, their costs and the potential damages
Protecting your most important asset Trade mark infringement litigation can make or break some companies. With such cases becoming increasingly common yet also complex, Tim Meng and Linda Zhao of GoldenGate law firm, present a guide to understanding the laws and processes surrounding trade mark litigation
Know your venue and be prepared The Chinese authorities have issued guidance designed to help and protect businesses during the economic downturn. But this also has startling consequences for holders of intellectual property rights entering litigation and makes the choice of venue more important than ever. By Tim Smith and Bill Yan of law firm Rouse in Beijing
Declaratory judgments: a legal maze In the absence of regulation governing issues surrounding declaratory judgments for non-infringement, judgments of prior cases must be used as a guide. Qing Ge of Liu Shen & Associates in Beijing attempts to navigate the legal complexities that surround this issue
Customs and the protection of intellectual property Customs control represents a critical element in the battle to protect intellectual property rights globally. The General Administration of Customs is seeking for enhanced cooperation with right holders, as Paul Ranjard, Huang Hui and Zhu Zhigang from the Wan Hui Da IP Agency explain
IP enforcement in China China's legal system provides IP owners with a wide array of tools to protect their rights. But to make the most of it, you need to understand it. Eion Murdock and John Lee of law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu explain what tools and strategies are available
Managing inventions A myriad of laws and regulations exist that govern the way inventions should be managed and the rights of the inventors behind them. Bonan Lin, partner and attorney at law in the Beijing office of Zhongzi Law Office, explains them
Protecting well-known trade marks Very well known trade marks can secure broader and more robust protection under Chinese law. But only if they can secure well-known trade mark status, as Xiang An and Lu Jin of China Sinda Intellectual Property in Beijing explain
Life sciences: a legal and regulatory update Cedric Lam and Isabella Liu of law firm Dorsey & Whitney examine the most important legal and regulatory developments in China in recent years and explain what they mean for the protection and commercialisation of life sciences innovations
