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Annual awards recognize brand protection efforts across China(2)

Published on 07/01 2015  Source: China Daily


By Zhang Zhao

Chen Xiaodong, chairman of the QBPC, agreed, saying that the IP infringement is "a global problem that requires comprehensive solutions combining economic, political, legal, social, cultural and scientific methods, with long-term joint efforts from the entire world".
"I am impressed by the trend that the cost of IP rights violation has been on the rise over the past years as the government pays increasing attention to IP protection, and it is easier to defend rights," he told China Daily.
He said one example was a trademark lawsuit in Guangdong, in which the right owner Luis Vuitton asked for civil damages before criminal penalties, and the request was supported by the local court.
He also noted another trend is that civil cases are becoming diversified, with increasing cases involving unfair competition, business secrets and copyright alongside trademark disputes.
He said the QBPC will cooperate with China's central and regional governments, companies, agencies and associations, as well as the international community, to help strengthen the nation's administrative and judicial IP enforcement and foster a fair market environment.
Although the committee represents the interests of overseas companies in China, it has made effort to help domestic companies improve their IP protection and management by organizing training programs to share their experience, Chen added.
It also has established partnerships with overseas organizations such as RusBrand, the largest association of fast moving consumer goods manufacturers in Russia.
Alexey Popovichev, executive director of RusBrand, said in a letter to the ceremony that the increase of cross-border illicit trade is "undoubtedly the most significant problem" the two countries will face in the near future.
"Fighting cross-border illicit trade of counterfeit goods between Russia and China through the partnership between RusBrand and QBPC not only protects the consumers of the two good nations and legitimates the interests of the brand owners, but also facilitates the trade and economic development in Russia and China," he wrote.