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The intellectual property rights (IPR) available in China are similar to those available in Europe. The registered rights available are invention patents, utility patents, design patents and trade marks. Copyright can also be recorded.

This guide is for enterprises interested in pursuing patent applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). It specifically targets small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) wanting to patent their inventions in a simple and cost-effective way at an international level.

Explore our comprehensive guide to 'Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)' which provides an overview of the two phases of the PCT application procedure and outlines the costs and requirements of the national phase in South-East Asia, China, India and Latin America.

A French programmer contacts the Helpdesk. Their app has been copied by a Chinese company. The French programmer asked if there is anything they could do. The Helpdesk asked if there was any way of proving the date of creation of this app. The French programmer said that they had emailed the source

An Italia auto-parts company had a new component which they thought would be particularly popular in the Chinese market. They were determining whether to keep the technology as an invention patent or a trade secret.

Secto Design, a Finnish SME didn’t plan to market its product in China, the SME initially didn’t register its intellectual property rights in China. Yet, at a certain point it found that over 90% of the products infringing their IP rights originated from China.

Belgian SME BEA manufactures sensors for automatic doors. Before they wereactive in China they had the foresight to file for an international patent that included the PRC as a designated state.

An Austrian SME active in the fashion and design industry decided to internationalise its business to China. The SME specialized in making theatrical costumes for artistic companies and theatres and found China’s vast market particularly promising for its products.

The Dutch SME Wuvio is a market leader in producing chemicals to combat dust for construction sites, energy producers, mining and dry bulk companies. Wuvio works with unique solutions, which require a structured approach to Intellectual Property (IP).