Evidence in Case of Trade Secrets Infringement

To successfully prove a trade secret infringement in court, viable evidence is required. The plaintiff can prove various forms of infringement: The acquisition of a trade secret through illegal means such as theft, bribery, or fraud; the defendant’s disclosure, use, or permission to use the acquired trade secret; the breach of confidentiality obligations; or the… Continue reading Evidence in Case of Trade Secrets Infringement

Compensation for Trade Secret Infringement

The Beijing Intellectual Property Court has published a guide for the protection of trade secrets. This also deals with the possibilities of claiming damages in the event of trade secret infringements. However, protecting trade secrets in court requires a clear statement of the infringement and the resulting damages. Companies should ensure that they have all… Continue reading Compensation for Trade Secret Infringement

Intentional and Punitive Damages in IPR Infringement

Punitive damages are applicable in all areas of IPR infringement and have been steadily improving in PRC legislation in recent years. It is also part of the latest Five-Year Plan through the government’s stated goal of establishing a comprehensive IPR infringement compensation system. The Judicial Interpretation of Punitive Damages for Intellectual Property Rights to Punish… Continue reading Intentional and Punitive Damages in IPR Infringement

Beware of Forged Evidence

In China, not only products are counterfeited, but also documents often lack the authenticity required in court. For example, an individual named Zhang filed an application to cancel the Yuanshai food trademark of Tianjin Zhongying Group because the trademark had not been used for three consecutive years. Upon review, the Intellectual Property Office determined from… Continue reading Beware of Forged Evidence

Cancellation of Trademarks Filed in Bad Faith in China

In China, bad faith registration of third-party trademarks is prohibited. Until recently, it was nevertheless difficult to act against trademarks that were no exact copy of the relevant trademark, even if the bad faith was obvious from the point of view of the company concerned. It took a while, but in the meantime the chances… Continue reading Cancellation of Trademarks Filed in Bad Faith in China