IPO attaché in China
The below provides guidance and helpful information on the IPO's attaché based in China
Introduction
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has an attaché team in China based across the British Embassy Beijing and the British Consulate Shanghai. The team is led by Samuel Stone, the IP attaché to China, and supported by 3 IP officers.
How I can help
We provide direct support to UK businesses and rights owners in relation to queries and concerns about the Chinese market.
We can provide information about:
- the IP landscape and framework in China
- registration and enforcement of rights
- common IP issues, concerns, and risks
- potential options to consider including in an IP strategy to mitigate infringement risk
We can share experience and information but cannot provide legal advice, and we recommend that companies also consult professional service providers to develop their IP protection strategy and counter infringement.
How I can be contacted
Email askinternational@ipo.gov.uk and I will respond to your query within 10 working days.
Advice for UK exporters
The Chinese IP system has developed rapidly in recent years as the protection framework has been reformed, including through legal and judicial reforms. However, systemic challenges remain, and British companies still experience widespread issues and concerns related to IP protection, including counterfeiting and bad-faith trademarks.
We therefore recommend that UK businesses take proactive steps, such as conducting due diligence on business partners, registering their rights, and understanding wider UK Government information and requirements. Rights owners should consider developing a China-specific IP protection strategy as early as possible in the process of starting to do business with or in China.
Attractiveness for UK businesses exporting to China
China has a large market that is attractive for many UK businesses. The recent improvements and reforms in the IP system have made it easier to protect and manage an IP portfolio in China.
Typical issues to be aware of
British companies experience widespread issues related to IP protection in China, including:
- counterfeit goods
- copycat goods
- trade mark issues (such as ‘bad-faith’ trade marks where a local actor registers the mark of an existing brand with the intention of making money from selling marks to brands or to use the mark’s reputation for their own sales)
- digital piracy
- inconsistent enforcement outcomes across different authorities and regions