Tag Archives: Protection

IP Considerations for App Developers in South-East Asia

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8585049088_9d1dbcdf1f_kAs the market for smartphones is rapidly growing in South-East Asia and many European companies wish to enter the lucrative market of apps, it is time to take a look at how the European SMEs can best protect their valuable intellectual property when entering the South-East Asian markets. 

In a world of increasingly affordable smartphone technology and rapidly expanding connectivity, the digital marketplace makes room for new players on the scene: the app developers. Third party’s apps have become a core part of the smartphone package, providing users with almost limitless potential for productivity, utility, education and leisure, and apps serving as a huge part of smartphone marketing strategy and user attraction.

With the number of smartphones overtaking non-smartphones back in 2013 and total worldwide app related revenues set to top $45 billion this year, app development is an increasingly attractive industry for software producers. Continue reading “IP Considerations for App Developers in South-East Asia” »

Back to the Basics Series: Patent Protection in China – Know Before You Go

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patent-without backgroundAs many of us are returning from the well-deserved vacation, it is time to refresh our memories about the basics of IP protection in China. Today’s  blog post will take us back to the basics and discuss patent protection in China.  

It is a given that patent protection has to be requested before a respective product is introduced to the national market. However, it is less often considered how a product may appeal in other world markets, and that these may not extend automatic protection for an invention registered back home. In particular, a European registered patent has no legal effect in China.

This is of particular importance as an invention may be later mass-produced in China without even being sold there, though face equal exposure to infringement. Furthermore, patents are granted to the ‘first-to-file’ rather than the ‘first-to-use’, meaning timely patent protection in China for each and every innovation is absolutely crucial. Continue reading “Back to the Basics Series: Patent Protection in China – Know Before You Go” »

Protecting your IP whilst Transferring Technology to South-East Asia

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xiandaishangwu2_221In today’s blog post, the Helpdesk team will provide you some valuable tips on how to safely transfer your technology to South-East Asian countries.

In recent years, European SMEs have started to look to the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to be a key player in the investment and development of several different types of technologies across a multitude of industries. Relatively low labor costs, high skill levels and diversity in the level of development across the region, enabling South-East Asia to attract a range of technologies, are making the region so attractive for the European SMEs.

Whilst accessing the lucrative South-East Asian markets, the European SMEs are often willing to ‘transfer’ some of their technologies and designs to local subsidiaries of European firms, joint-venture partners, or local manufacturing and service companies. One of the challenges facing European companies coming to South-East Asia is devising creative solutions to minimize the risk to their intellectual property associated with technology transfers. A technology transfer can happen in a number of different ways. European companies most commonly transfer their technology by licensing their patents, designs, software, trade secrets, and know-how.  A common misconception is that a technology transfer is limited to transfers of high technology. However, many European companies using contract manufacturing to manufacture low technology, consumer, or industrial products, such as those based on product designs, must deal with the same risks to their IP as their high technology counterparts. Continue reading “Protecting your IP whilst Transferring Technology to South-East Asia” »

Protection of IPR in the Automotive Industry in China

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LandWindYour IP in the Chinese Automotive Industry

The automotive industry in China has seen rapid expansion over the last decade; the automotive parts market alone was worth RMB 1.5 trillion (€179 billion) in 2010 and the increasing volume of vehicle sales in the country predicts that the trend is set to continue. There are clear opportunities for European businesses to profit from this booming market but precautionary steps must be taken to meet the challenges that China poses.

When  it  comes  to  Intellectual  Property  (IP)  protection,  international  small  to  medium-sized businesses that invest in the local automotive industry should be aware of the IP risks that they run when operating in China, and the main tools at their disposal to protect against those risks.

Currently, the most important factors that allow international automotive businesses to operate in Chinese Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets, are their established contacts with global car manufacturers (the Original Equipment Manufacturers, or OEMs who produce parts or components for sale to other manufacturers to market under their own brand name – for more information you can watch the China  IPR  SME  Helpdesk   webinar  on  OEM  in  China),  their  technological  capabilities,  and  their reputation for quality. This gives them an edge over many Chinese competitors that are relatively new and lack the regimented processes that are required to guarantee a high level of quality. Therefore  IP  –  in  particular  with  regards  to  new  technologies  and  the  ability  to  protect  this technology from Chinese competitors – will be a key factor in the battle for market share. Continue reading “Protection of IPR in the Automotive Industry in China” »

Back to the Basics Series: Protecting your IP at Trade Fairs in China

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dreamstime_m_24720610Trade fairs are an excellent opportunity for a business to showcase their new products and scout out business partners for manufacturing, promotion, and distribution. Unfortunately, in China these exhibitions are a common prowling ground for infringers, so it is of utmost importance to ensure all intellectual property precautions are undertaken. It is not sufficient to merely gain intellectual property rights for a company’s assets – steps should be taken before, during and after a trade fair to ensure maximum protection. This article takes a look at some of the steps foreign businesses should take.

Before the trade fair: fail to prepare, prepare to fail

Determine your strategy in advance of the trade fair. Do you want to take enforcement action at the fair, or only use the fair as an opportunity to gather evidence? If you are not certain about securing all necessary evidence and paperwork to carry out an action at the fair, gathering evidence there first may be a better strategy. Continue reading “Back to the Basics Series: Protecting your IP at Trade Fairs in China” »