In co-operation with the Ministry of Commerce of China (MOFCOM), IPR2 supported an information and mediation support facility on-site for the duration of the CeBIT 2009 trade fair to assist in disputes over patents, trademark and industrial design infringements between exhibiting Chinese and European companies. The on-site service was inaugurated jointly by Mr Chong Quan, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Commerce, as part of a high-level visit by leading Chinese IP enforcement officials, together with the European Commission's Ms Ewa Synowiec, Director, DG Trade.

MOFCOM maintains a strong interest in the protection of IP at trade fairs: This particular collaboration was an effective pilot exercise, from which potential and interest in extending the experience and benefits to other trade fairs in Europe and China may be assessed.

This 'China IPR Desk at CeBIT' provided an information and mediation service to Chinese and European companies in support of their efforts to better protect their IP; by way of on-the-spot neutral and professional assistance in reaching an equitable solution for both parties and stakeholders involved (including the German authorities, the trade fair organisers and co-organisers and the legal department of Deutsche Messe AG). Almost all cases addressed were resolved in the course of the mediation support; dramatically reducing the instance of legal action as taken in the previous year.

In the course of the trade fair days, the China IPR Desk at CeBIT addressed a total of 48 cases. 60% were criminal complaints and 40% were related to preliminary measures, Bailiff enforcement notices, warning letters and information support (such as legal information and IP protection in Germany and Europe in general).