IPR2 is continuing its co-operation with the Ministry of Information Industry and Technology (MIIT) to implement two training sessions on IP management (Qingdao, 24-25 June and Xiamen, 28-29 June 2010) for officials from local department responsible for servicing industry, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The training will involve some 100 local officials and aims to improve access to information relevant for their work in building a sustainable IP environment, in particular supporting SMEs' capacity to understand how to legally use, valorise and protect IPRs.

This builds on previous capacity-building activities with MIIT which also involved local industry. The focus of these training sessions will be particularly aimed at building the capacity of local government agencies for wider dissemination of the training information.

While Chinese companies are increasing registration and filing of IP rights, a large number of potential users are still not sufficiently aware of how to use and protect their intellectual capital, both at home and abroad. Enterprises that are aware of the use and importance of IP tend to prevent and lower the number of infringements. Therefore, raising knowledge through training and improving access to information and tools such as online training material, manuals and relevant IP information systems for MIIT's local personnel is crucial in helping to significantly increase the capacity of industry to protect their IP using legal means.

MIIT is the state agency in China responsible for regulation and development of the postal service, internet, wireless, broadcasting, communications, production of electronic and information goods, software industry and the promotion of the national knowledge economy. It is in charge for drafting industry policies, monitoring, promoting development of the industry, as well as determining relevant industry standards.

This builds on training organised between IPR2 and MIIT and MOST in Beijing, Xi'an and Jiangyin in May 2009. read more and 17-Shenyang, Fuzhou, Hangzhou in August 2009; and Shanghai, Guangzhou, Dongguan read more and Changzhou in 2008 read more, in which some 1200 members of industry and government officials have participated.

Useful links

Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)

For more information on IP management, contact Mr Benoit Misonne benoit.misonne@ipr2.org.

For general information on IPR2, contact Ms Tamryn Barker tamryn.barker@ipr2.org. 
                                                                                                        Source:ipr2.org