Navigating Intellectual Property in China: Protecting Innovation in the Digital Entertainment Industry

Being one of the world’s largest gaming and digital entertainment markets, China offers many opportunities for international companies while presenting a unique intellectual property landscape. This webinar is designed specifically for the Bulgarian business delegation attending ChinaJoy, providing a practical introduction to China’s IP system and the legal and commercial considerations relevant to the video games industry. Participants will gain insights into protecting game titles, branding, software, character, and copyright protection, trade secret protection, and other valuable intellectual assets, as well as strategies for managing IP risks and enforcing their rights. Whether exploring partnerships, publishing opportunities, or market entry, this session will help digital entertainment companies navigate China’s evolving IP environment.

Duration of the presentation: 40 minutes plus Q&A  

Key issues covered: 

• Introduction to the China IP SME Helpdesk and the support services available to SMEs;
• Key cultural considerations when discussing IP and partnerships in China;
• The main differences between protecting IP in Europe and in China, with a particular focus on the gaming/digital entertainment industry;
• Practical do's and don'ts, common pitfalls and best practices;
• Practical recommendations before B2B meetings, market entry discussions, potential partnerships and participation in ChinaJoy;

Speaker

Ms Lisa Lu IP Business Advisor at China IP SME Helpdesk

Lisa Lu is the IP Business Advisor at China IP SME Helpdesk in Beijing, where she advises European SMEs on intellectual property rights matters. She holds a double master’s degree in law from the China University of Political Science and Law and University of Hamburg. Before joining the China IP SME Helpdesk at the European Chamber, Lisa worked as a trademark attorney for the Ferrante Intellectual Property and Chang Tsi & Partners. She mainly focused on the fields of trademark prosecution, trademark enforcement, copyright protection and unfair competition. During her time working in both law firms, she dealt with a variety of clients including but not limited to automotive performance, media, entertainment, new energy, apparel, architecture design, data management, e-commerce, household products, HVAC, and fire & security. Her clients included a range of globally leading companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Lisa is fluent in Chinese and English.  Much of his research output and interests focus on IP law’s implications for society, and he is particularly familiar with trademark law.