RESEARCH
It's important to do your homework before visiting a tradefair in China so that you're in the best possible position to implement your IP strategy, if you do encounter infringement.
KNOW YOUR BEARINGS
- Visit the trade fair’s website or contact the organiser to gain information on any complaint centre that may be at the trade fair and if there is any IP protection information available to you.
- If there is no complaint centre present, check to see if the local IP authorities are authorised to enter the trade fair to ensure the enforcement of IP rights. If there is a complaint centre, it may well be very busy and any action you take should be instigated as early as possible with your case and all the necessary documentation presented in a clear and orderly fashion in advance, by an attorney who specialises in the relevant area of IPR (Trademark lawyer, Patent lawyer etc.).
- Know where the relevant IP authorities are located and make contact with them if your agents/lawyers have a good working-relationship with them. Make yourself known to the authorities before any potential issues arise and consult with them on specific issues that may apply to a particular event, as early in your visit as possible.
RESEARCH THE EXHIBITORS
- Take steps to research if there are any ‘suspicious’ organisations (i.e. those you know or suspect to be handling infringing items) expected to attend. The organiser should be able to provide a list of exhibitors with their stall numbers, prior to the trade fair.
CAREFULLY READ THE EXHIBITOR CONTRACT
- Are there measures in place if counterfeit products are identified? Will it be possible to expel exhibitors or clear stalls? If it is unclear in the contract, take steps to clarify the arrangements with the organiser. If there are no such provisions, you or your SME Association should consider lobbying the organisers to secure appropriate sanctions.
CONSIDER AND ASSEMBLE YOUR TEAM
- Use experienced agents or lawyers and obtain any necessary entry passes for them.
