Per a Notice (“蓝天行动”：严厉打击商标代理伪造证据行为) released June 21, 2022, China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has sanctioned three Chinese trademark firms for forging evidence in applications for geographical indications (GI). A GI is a distinctive sign used on products that have a specific geographic origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Two agencies were fined 40,000 RMB each and a third was fined 20,000 RMB as well as issued warnings. In addition, the responsible individuals also …
China Claims Over 18,000 5G Standard Essential Patent Families Ranking First in the World
On June 8, 2022, China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) announced that their Intellectual Property Development Research Center completed a 5G standard essential patent (SEP) report showing that China ranks first in the world for declared 5G SEP families. Per the report there are currently more than 210,000 5G standard-essential patents declared globally, involving nearly 47,000 patents. Among them, China has declared more than 18,000 patent families, accounting for nearly 40%, ranking first in the world. Huawei has declared more …
China’s National Intellectual Property Administration Announces Record 2.49 Million RMB Fine Against Patent Firm for Unauthorized Practice of Law and Filing Abnormal Patent Applications
On June 8, 2022, China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) announced a record 2.49 million RMB (~$372 thousand USD) fine against a Zhejiang-based patent firm for practicing patent law without a license and filing abnormal (irregular) patent applications. The fine is part of the “Blue Sky” program to crack down on problems in the patent industry. The previously reported highest fine was 1.04 million RMB.
China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate & Ministry of Public Security Jointly Issue Typical Cases Involving Obstructing Epidemic Prevention Including Two Trademark Cases
On June 5, 2022, China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate and the Ministry of Public Security jointly issued the Typical Cases of Punishing the Crime of Obstructing the Prevention and Control of the Epidemic in Accordance With the Law (依法惩治妨害疫情防控保障犯罪典型案例). Worryingly, two of the cases involved counterfeiting trademarks for medical products including protective clothing and COVID tests. No mention was made if any of the counterfeits were exported.