China's intellectual property watchdog Wednesday said it has rejected more than 300 abnormal trademark applications related to the novel coronavirus epidemic.

As of March 16, the National Intellectual Property Administration (NIPA) had rejected 328 trademark applications by individuals and companies, including those using the name of two makeshift hospitals "Huoshenshan" and "Leishenshan" and the virus name "novel coronavirus."

Such trademark applications violate social morality and cause an adverse social impact, according to an NIPA statement.

It also asked local law enforcement departments to inquire with, rectify and punish relevant people and agencies. A total of 866 abnormal epidemic-related applications have been voluntarily withdrawn by applicants.

The NIPA said it will step up trademark review standards during the epidemic control, to crack down on malicious trademark filings.(Source: Xinhua)