Since 2008

Project value: 3,200,000 EUR

Intellectual property ownership and protection are key factors for the competitiveness of European SMEs in the global economy. Conversely, acts of IP manipulation, abuse, or infringement, either directly through the actions of infringing companies, or indirectly, through the principles embedded within a countries industry or innovation policies, distort competition. In China, trade secrets and their protection are viewed under the Anti-Unfair Competition Law and certain competition disputes, involving IP are dealt with by the IP Courts. Cases relating to IP and Competition can become very sensitive, especially in the case of standard essential patents and monopolistic behaviour. Balancing competition law and IP rights is therefore essential for fostering innovation, economic growth, and consumer welfare. The circulation of counterfeit consumer goods, foodstuffs, and pharmaceuticals is a critical risk for consumer safety and health.

The China IP SME Helpdesk  supports small and medium sized enterprises in the European Union (EU) and the other countries of the Single Market Programme (SMP)* to both protect and enforce their Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in or relating to Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan through the provision of free information and services. These take the form of jargon-free, first-line, confidential advice on intellectual property and related issues, plus training, materials and online resources.

* Single Market Programme countries: EU member states plus Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,  Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine. 

Website: https://intellectual-property-helpdesk.ec.europa.eu/regional-helpdesks/china-ip-sme-helpdesk_en