November 2008, Beijing

In co-operation with the Ministry of Commerce of China, IPR2 implements a number of activities dedicated to supporting companies' protection of their IP rights at trade fairs. The development of international trade exposes Chinese companies to exhibitions abroad and foreign companies to exhibit in China: A trade fair or exhibition provides a company with an unparalleled opportunity to promote its products or services directly to potential buyers, establish a brand and realise their potential on the international market.

At the same time, companies are more exposed to intellectual property conflicts at international trade fairs - building awareness of the issues and knowledge of how to protect your IP is an important step towards reducing infringements. A number of information materials are provided for further reference.  

Experience and practice in Europe

The IPR2 study 'How to Protect Your Intellectual Property at Trade Fairs: Experience and Practice in Europe' aims to achieve a better understanding of the strategies and best practices developed in Europe to protect IP at trade fairs  and to advise industry on how better to protect IP rights at such events. It profiles 7 European countries (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom) and is complete with annexes of legislative references for each.  

Download How to Protect Your Intellectual Property at Trade Fairs: Experience and Practice in Europe  

The study details key issues related to the protection of IPR at trade fairs by drawing on the experiences and practices in different jurisdictions; specifically, using examples of effective systems and methods of IPR enforcement developed at the major trade fairs in Europe and providing recommendations to participating companies. For both Chinese and European companies wanting to be better placed to protect their intellectual property in Europe, this study is a valuable reference and strategic business tool. It was published a year after IPR2's first activities, seminars on the protection of IPR at trade fairs, in Beijing and Shenzhen in November 2007. Read more.

It was first provided as part of training some 200 companies run over three phases (15-19, 24-28 October and 2-6 November 2008) by MOFCOM at China's most important trade fair and one of the world's largest annual trade fairs, the 104th China Import and Export Fair in Canton.  In conjunction, IPR2 supported a study tour by MOFCOM officials to Germany, France and Italy in November to assess first hand the methods and practices employed at several of the largest European trade fairs. This close co-operation continues with presence at the Canton fair in 2010.

View Study Tour to Europe on IP Protection at Trade Fairs, Germany, France, Italy, 15-23 November 2008  

Protection measures in China

The IPR2 study is complemented, on the Chinese side, by ‘Protection Measures for IPR during Exhibitions’ formulated by the Ministry of Commerce, which came into effect in early 2006. These measures are an important pillar of the National IP Strategy and aim to reinforce the effects of the Blue Sky Exhibition Initiative, a year-long campaign started under the 2006 IPR Action Plan, which aimed to strengthen IP protection at trade fairs and exhibitions, and assist IP right-holders in protecting their rights. In addition, eight Chinese agencies have signed a ‘Circular of Strengthening IPR Protection of Chinese Enterprises at Overseas Exhibitions’ in early 2009 to strengthen the IP protection efforts of Chinese companies at international trade fairs and exhibitions. The Circular proposes 10 measures from prevention to enforcement assistance at overseas trade fairs, including guiding Chinese companies to strengthen their IP management practices; encouraging thorough self-examination of exhibiting products; strengthening authorities' cooperation with overseas exhibition organisers; learning the IPR laws and enforcement methods of host countries and addressing the requirements of China's participating companies; enhancing external negotiation on IPR abuse, developing overseas IPR protection and dispute settlement mechanisms and encouraging companies to apply for, register and purchase foreign IPRs.  

View Protection Measures for Intellectual Property Rights at Exhibitions, 1 March 2006

Roadmap for industry

The Roadmap for IP Protection at Trade Fairs in Europe provides an overview of the issues particular to trade fairs when it comes to protecting IP rights and how to be prepared to face the possible risk of infringement when exhibiting during a trade fair in Europe. It summarises the different methods and practices employed by the major trade fairs in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.  

Download Roadmap for IP Protection at Trade Fairs in Europe  

Mediation and information support

In co-operation with the Ministry of Commerce, IPR2 supports a information and mediation facilities at trade fairs in Europe. This commenced with the CeBIT trade fair in Hanover, Germany from 3-8 March 2009. Read more. It continued in 2010 as well as establishing a recurring presence at the IFA and Essen trade fairs in Germany. The 'China IPR Mediation Desk' is put in place for the trade fairs days, providing assistance to Chinese and European exhibitors in order to minimise potential conflicts over patent, trade mark and industrial design rights. Manned by Chinese and European experts, it has been effective in helping Chinese exhibitors to become more aware of the importance of IP rights at international trade fairs, settle disputes with European companies and open talks on licensing agreements.

e-learning

IPR2 has developed an e-learning module based on training given to hundreds of companies in China on how to protect IP at trade fairs. This forms part of their preparation for participating in trade fairs in Europe. Companies are invited to use this for their own training purposes. 

View Read_me. Download Player - 44.2 MB How to Protect your Intellectual Property Rights during European Trade Fairs

For more details about the complaint procedure at the Canton Trade Fair view Complaint and Settlement Regulations of Being a Suspect of Infringing IP Rights of the Canton Fair, Letter of Complaint and Letter of Undertaking.

Useful links

Intellectual Property Protection in China (Trade Fairs)

The China IPR SME Helpdesk offers an e-learning module on IPR protection at trade fairs. Download.

For more information on IP protection at trade fairs, contact Mr Carlo Pandolfi This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

For general information on IPR2, contact Ms Tamryn Barker This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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