We’ve talked a lot about IP and IP protection in China. Here are four keywords you need to know while securing your IP rights in China: CNIPA, Madrid System, PCT, and Hague System
CNIPA – China National Intellectual Property Administration, where you can file directly in China for your IP. This government body is responsible for matters including:
- Organising the implementation of national IPR strategies, especially strengthening IPR creation, protection and utilisation.
- Protecting IPRs and promoting the construction of IPR protection systems.
- Registering trademarks, patents and geographical indications and making relevant administrative adjudication.
- Guiding trademark and patent law enforcement.
- Coordinating foreign-related IP affairs.
Madrid System – the International Trademark System that provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for registering and managing trademarks worldwide. You can use the Madrid System if you are a national of – or have a domicile or business in – any of the 130 countries covered by the Madrid System’s 114 members, to:
- File a single international trademark application and pay one set of fees to apply for protection in up to 130 countries, and to
- Modify, renew or expand your global trademark portfolio through one centralised system
PCT – Patent Cooperation Treaty, the International Patent System that
- Assists applicants seeking patent protection internationally for inventions
- Helps patent offices with their patent granting decisions
- Facilitates public access to a wealth of technical information relating to those inventions
By filing one international patent application under the PCT, applicants can simultaneously seek protection for an invention in a large number of contracting countries.
Hague System – for securing international protection for industrial designs in participating countries.
It provides a practical business solution for registering up to 100 designs in 96 countries by filing a single international application. You can use this solution if you are nationals of, or have domicile or habitual residence, or have a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment in any of the Hague System’s 79 members (referred to as “contracting parties”) – including all countries in the European Union (EU) and the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI).