In China, laws on intellectual property protection including the Patent Law, the Trademark Law and the Copyright Law provide a legal basis for enterprises in safeguarding their rights.
Enterprises in Tianjin are urged to be well prepared to file intellectual property applications in the process of developing new products, assign specialists to manage and oversee their intellectual properties, establish IP management systems and cooperate with law firms to combat stealing activities.
The local government requires relevant departments to enhance intellectual property protection in a bid to provide a favorable atmosphere for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Disputes involving SMEs should be processed in an efficient way. An enforcement coordination mechanism should be established among departments in different regions so as to settle cross-regional disputes.
The authorities should offer assistance and consulting services to SMEs in finding solutions to IP disputes, especially those happening abroad, and guide them to establish protection strategies to reduce future risks.
A pre-warning mechanism is necessary for SMEs, particularly for those doing export business, to avoid potential danger. SMEs are also encouraged to study international IP regulations and advanced experiences to enhance their IP competitive edge.
To make SMEs realize the important role intellectual properties play in technology innovation and business evolvement, and let them take an active role in preserving their rights from being violated, Tianjin is planning to publicize basic IP knowledge and cases by delivering IP courses.
Local authorities are also committed to assisting SMEs in establishing IP management systems and guiding them to combine IP management with scientific researches.
（Source: IPR in China）
