Counterfeiting in China: Platform Operators Must Demonstrate Measures

When fighting counterfeiting against online shops, it is often difficult for brand owners in China to identify the manufacturer of the counterfeits and to prosecute him legally. Therefore, the platform operator should also be sued in the lawsuit if he violates legal obligations.  According to the Chinese E-commerce Law, the owner of intellectual property right… Continue reading Counterfeiting in China: Platform Operators Must Demonstrate Measures

Defensive Trademark Application as Inexpensive Brand Protection Strategy

In order to counter the proliferation of bad faith trademark applications by counterfeiters, foreign companies should not only register their own trademarks in China, but also trademarks with similar words, signs and designs as defensive trademarks. Although these defensive trademarks can be cancelled after three consecutive years for non-use, their registration is cheaper than other… Continue reading Defensive Trademark Application as Inexpensive Brand Protection Strategy

Return Fraud for Counterfeit Processors

The American chip manufacturer Intel reports a massive increase in counterfeit Intel CPUs (Central Processing Unit) for the Chinese market. The fakes are sold via e-commerce platforms such as AliExpress or Amazon, and third-party dealers try to smuggle large quantities of fake CPUs into the market by returning (Return Merchandise Authorization, RMA) allegedly original products.… Continue reading Return Fraud for Counterfeit Processors

IP Crime Conference in Cape Town: Can the Public Sector Keep Up?

A clear result of the IP Crime Conference in Cape Town: According to prosecuting authorities, brand and product piracy is becoming increasingly digital and transnational. Counterfeiters today are technologically highly advanced and have a global reach – their products are produced in the country A, transported via the country B and sold in the country… Continue reading IP Crime Conference in Cape Town: Can the Public Sector Keep Up?