Official urges strict protection of trademarks

Industry and commerce authorities nationwide should carry out stricter market supervision and increase government efforts to protect trademarks and crack down on infringements, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Zhang Mao, head of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, made the remarks during a teleconference. He called on such authorities to implement the new trademark law that was passed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, on Aug 30 and will take effect on May 1, 2014.

Industry and commerce authorities should publicize the new trademark law to officials and the public and ensure any related regulations they make are in accordance with the new law, he said.

He also cautioned authorities not to interfere with trademark affairs that should be managed by enterprises and the market.

The new trademark law raises the compensation ceiling for trademark infringement to 3 million yuan ($500,000), six times the previous limit.

The amendments also change the examination period for trademark applications to make the process more efficient.

The new law also offers protection for well-known trademarks, giving owners the right to ban others from registering their trademark or using similar ones — even if similar brand names are available.

The words "renowned trademark" shall not be used in promotions or advertising, the new law dictates.