Supermarket Self-Defence: China IP for the F&B Industry

Quote

Fruits and Vegetables in Grocery StoreIn 2011 China surpassed the US as the world’s largest consumer market for the food and beverage (F&B) industry with the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics reporting an annual growth rate of around 15% in F&B imports for the previous 5 years, totalling around $98 billion by 2012.

Chinese demand for imported F&B products, fuelled by food safety concerns involving domestically produced products such as the ‘tainted milk scandal’ has since continued to rise, with around 60% of Chinese consumers preferring foreign brands[1].

This increased demand serves as a boon to potential F&B producers looking to break into the China, however there are many pitfalls to avoid, and it is important for importers and producers to make sure their brand, and their products are protected before entering the Chinese market. This week we’ll be discussing the essential steps for F&B importers and producers considering taking the plunge into China’s F&B market.

Continue reading “Supermarket Self-Defence: China IP for the F&B Industry” »

Interview with our own IP Insider, Simon Cheetham: IP in China from an EU SME perspective

Quote

simon_cheethamIntroducing Simon

Simon Cheetham is the Team Leader of the China IPR SME Helpdesk. He is a China IPR Enforcement expert with over 30 years’ experience in commercial investigations, due diligence and IPR enforcement in China and internationally. He has lived and worked in China and South-East Asia for over 17 years.

He is also the Managing Director of ERINYES INTERNATIONAL LTD, a firm he founded to capitalize on his extensive experience of international investigations, loss prevention and enforcement work. He manages and directs the operations of the Company from Europe to the Far East. Simon began his career with the Hong Kong Police, where he was responsible for the detection and prosecution of a wide variety of crimes, including fraud and homicide.

We spoke to Simon about the conferences he has attended on our behalf recently, and the issues EU SMEs are most concerned about right now.

Continue reading “Interview with our own IP Insider, Simon Cheetham: IP in China from an EU SME perspective” »

Industry Spotlight Month

Quote

The China IPR SME Helpdesk will be running ‘Industry Spotlight’ month, where we’ll be casting light on industry-specific intellectual property rights (IPR) issues in China throughout August.

Imdustry spotlight 2

Each week, we will provide tailored IP advice for a different industry. We will focus on:

3-7 August: The Food and Beverage (F&B) industry;

10-14 August: The IT industry;

17-21 August: The fashion industry; and

24-28 August: The mechanical engineering industry. Continue reading “Industry Spotlight Month” »

Drawing up an IP strategy for creative industries in China: an update

Quote

shutterstock_86331535China’s rapidly expanding consumer market creates both opportunities and challenges for European businesses in creative industries. Ideas and designs are the lifeblood of creative businesses and infringement can be particularly costly and damaging. Because creative ideas and designs that are not adequately protected can often fall victim to infringement by potential Chinese clients or Chinese competitors, European businesses are sometimes reluctant to enter the China market and build relationships with Chinese partners. However, by effectively using the Chinese IP system and taking a few key steps, you can protect your company’s IP and foster successful partnerships in China. Continue reading “Drawing up an IP strategy for creative industries in China: an update” »

Exclusive tips from our IP Expert: top five problems for EU SMEs in China

Quote

RvMReinout van Malenstein is our China IPR Business Advisor, based at the European Chamber in Beijing. He speaks English, Chinese, Dutch and German. Reinout has been living and practicing IP law in China for several years, prior to which he worked for a ‘Magic Circle’ law firm in the Netherlands. Reinout speaks to EU SMEs about their IPR concerns on a daily basis.

We asked Reinout: what are the top five problems EU SMEs experience in China?

Continue reading “Exclusive tips from our IP Expert: top five problems for EU SMEs in China” »