The following Helpdesk Publications provide a range of expert-written guides, factsheets and presentations that assist SMEs in understanding the IPR landscape in China.

General IPR

• Guide to Trade Mark Protection in China new
  Until you register a trademark in China, you do not own that right, meaning that applying for a trademark before entering the China market is of utmost importance. This guide walks you through an overview of trademarks, how to apply for them and how to enforce your rights in case of an infringement.

• Guide to Patent Protection in China new updates
  Until you register a Patent in China, you do not own that right, meaning that applying for a trademark before entering the China market is of utmost importance. This guide walks you through an overview of trademarks, how to apply for them and how to enforce your rights in case of an infringement.

• How to Conduct a Trade Mark Search new
  Every company, no matter how big or small, has some IP. The most common type of intellectual property right (IPR) is a trade mark. A trade mark is essential to all kinds of companies, whether you are a producer, distributor or service provider, as it allows clients to distinguish you from your competitors and builds the image and reputation of your brand. Before you apply to register your trade mark in China you should check that it is available and has not been previously registered by another company, or is too similar to any other registered trade mark. This step will prevent you spending resources on an application which will be rejected and could delay your business operations in China.
  This guide is designed to Help you understand how to conduct a trade mark search on your own.

• Protection of Online IPR in China - Domain Names new updates
  The Internet in China, with more than 513 million 'netizens', is an attractive business and marketing platform for many European SMEs working with or in China. Although, it is also an ideal platform for infringers to sell counterfeit products and commit fraud. What should you do if someone registers your domain name or a similar one in China ('cybersquatting')? How should you react if you receive a 'slamming' letter from a Chinese domain name provider claiming they have received a registration request from another company to register your domain name with several Asian domain name extensions? Click here to download this newly updated guide and find out more.

• Guide to Using Contracts to Protect your Intellectual Property Rights in China new
  Tailoring contracts to suit your IPR is an important way to ensure that your company's specific intellectual property assets are adequately protected. This guide outlines some key contract provisions that you need to include in your agreements, important clauses that must not be used in China (because they could be in contravention of the Chinese laws thus rendering the contract void), how to protect confidential information through contracts, and protecting the ownership of new IP created in China). It contains a sample Non-Disclosure Agreement.

• Guide to R&D in China for European SMEs new
  Many European SMEs may not consider that they conduct any R&D in China because they do not have a laboratory or research facility there, but in reality, a high proportion of these companies engage in activities which fall under at least one of the terms: research or development. This guide outlines how to develop your IP strategy before conducting R&D in China, taking into account licensing for R&D contracts, defining ownership of new IP created, and developing a valuable IP portfolio in China. Download the full guide to learn more.

• Intellectual Property Systems: China / Europe Comparison
  There are several key differences between Chinese and European IP laws which are important to understand in order to efficiently manage your intellectual property in China. This short document gives a broad comparison between the Chinese and European IP systems, and highlights some of the main differences and similarities you need to be aware of.

• Technology Transfer to China: Guidance for Businesses
  Many European companies are willing to transfer their latest technology to Chinese subsidiaries of European firms and joint venture partners, exposing themselves to potential loss of competitiveness and IP risk. This publication provides an overview of common situations encountered by European firms in China and a checklist of how to effectively protect your business secrets.

• Guide to Protecting Your Trade Secrets in China
  A trade secret is any non-public information with actual or potential commercial value that is guarded by confidentiality measures. Trade secrets can ensure business advantage over competitors but must remain secret – once a trade secret becomes publicly known, it can no longer be protected as a trade secret. Most theft of trade secrets cases involve current or former employees. Download the full guide to learn more.

• China IPR SME Helpdesk
  This brochure gives you an overview of the China IPR SME Helpdesk's services, including case studies and contact details.

• Guide to Using Customs to Protect Your IPR in China
  Unlike Europe, China has both imports and exports customs, which has the authority to seize IP infringing goods. Learn how to work with Chinese customs to protect your IPR and prohibit infringing goods from entering or leaving the country.

• Finding the Right Lawyer
  This guide is currently being updated: Hiring a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements or recommendations. An experienced and capable lawyer could not only strengthen your business's IPR strategy but also effectively assist you in enforcing your IPR rights against infringers. This guide walks you through the process of hiring the right lawyer for your needs.

• IP Strategy for European SMEs at Trade Fairs in China
  Trade fairs represent an opportunity to promote your products in China but also expose your IP to potential infringers. This handbook provides a step-by-step guide to intellectual property strategy and protection before, during and after a trade fair or an exhibition in China.

• Managing IP as a Business Asset
  Businesses that actively manage their IP as a financial asset outperform their peers by up to 30%. The most significant group of intangible assets are those protected by intellectual property such as inventions, designs and brands. Click here to download your 'Managing IP as a Business Asset Guide'.

• Guide to Copyrights in China
  A copyright protects intangible original intellectual creations in the fields of literature, art or science that can be reproduced in a tangible form from being reproduced without the permission of the copyright holder. Unlike trademarks and patents, registration of copyrights is not compulsory in order to obtain protection, but can help in proving the ownership of the copyright in the case of infringement. Download the full guide to learn more.

Industry Specific

• IP Strategies for EU 'Cleantech' SMEs in China new
  With a large potential clean technology market, and strong government support for the development and adoption of new clean technologies, China presents great opportunities for European cleantech SMEs. However, as the market becomes increasingly competitive, strategically managing, protecting and leveraging IP becomes even more essential. Understanding how IP fits into the overall strategy of your business in China can lead to more opportunities and conserve competitiveness. Download this guide to learn more.

• Guide to IPR Protection in China for the Creative Industries
  China's rapidly expanding consumer market creates both opportunities and challenges for European businesses in creative industries. Ideas and designs are the lifeblood of creative businesses and infringement can be particularly costly and damaging. However, creative ideas and designs that are not adequately protected often fall victim to infringement by potential Chinese clients or Chinese competitors. Download the full guide to learn more.

• China IPR Guide for European SMEs in the Ceramics Industry
  This tailored IPR guide for SMEs in the ceramics industry covers the aspects of IPR most relevant to your business and how you can protect them.

• Guideline on Medical Device Industry IPR Protection in China
  This guide takes a practical look at IPR protection and enforcement in China with a particular emphasis on issues for SMEs in the medical device industry.

• Guide to IPR Protection in China for the Textile Industry
  China's textile industry is both an opportunity and threat to European businesses. It is a major market for those supplying production technologies and a key supply base for textiles and finished goods. This guide addresses IP issues across subsectors of the textile industry, including textile machinery, yarns and specialty fabrics, finished fabrics and brand apparel & accessories. The areas of IP most relevant to the above sectors will be discussed, as well as smaller IP issues specifically affecting makers of brand apparel & accessories.