The China IP SME Helpdesk is a co-funded project by the European Union to support European Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) regarding intellectual property rights (IP) when doing business in or with China.
China is one of the largest economies in the world and it is a desired destination for businesses to expand to or do business with. But before striking your first deal with China, you should be aware of the IP situation in the country and its other jurisdictions.
For these business and legal matters, you can consult professionals that are experts in the field. But, before deciding to pay for such services, we would like to let you know that there are also alternative options. You can take advantage of the China IP SME Helpdesk services that their experts provide free of charge.
What is the China IP SME Helpdesk?
As the Helpdesk’s name suggests, it provides pro bono information and services to European SMEs to protect and enforce their intellectual property rights (IP) in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. According to their site, to have your questions asked by IP experts, you should contact them or use their free online resources.
Specifically, they provide a wide range of online training and helpful resources about IP in China. Among these resources, SMEs can find:
- Factsheets for China and its jurisdictions;
- IP Guides;
- Case Studies;
- Infographics;
- Podcasts;
- IP Glossary.
Alternatively, you can find future training and events concerning IP in China to mark your calendar with:
What are Intellectual Property Rights? What is Different about China?
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), “Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.
To continue, “IP is protected in law by, for example, patents, copyright and trademarks, which enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create. By striking the right balance between the interests of innovators and the wider public interest, the IP system aims to foster an environment in which creativity and innovation can flourish.”
China has been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 2001 and therefore has in place laws on the protection of intellectual property (IP). Specifically, member nations of the WTO are required to meet at least the minimum standards on IP protection, but there are still a few differences that SMEs need to be aware of to be protected.
The Value of Having Access to Quality Information
Businesses internationalization is a lengthy and costly process that also involves many risks. With the China IP SME Helpdesk, not only your business can have access to quality information for free, but you can also have individualized consultation by their IP experts in 3 working days from submitting your questions.
China is a vast country with lots of opportunities and business risks that you would not want your SME to be exposed to. Whether you are looking for European Funding for SMEs or information about your next target for expansion, the help of experts is always appreciated. And as the saying goes, “time is money”, seeking the help of the China IP SME Helpdesk can save you both.
The China IP SME Helpdesk supports small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from European Union (EU) member states to protect and enforce their Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in or relating to China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, through the provision of free information and services. The Helpdesk provides jargon-free, first-line, confidential advice on intellectual property and related issues, along with training events, materials and online resources. Individual SMEs and SME intermediaries can submit their IP queries via email (question@china-iprhelpdesk.eu) and gain access to a panel of experts, in order to receive free and confidential first-line advice within 3 working days.
