October 2025

Limiting and Eliminating the “Other Improper Means” Clause in China Trademark Legislation

Trademark /

This article is a translation of a work by Professor Kong Xiangjun. The original text can be found at: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?__biz=MzUwOTg0MTkwNA==&mid=2247486267&idx=1&sn=a92bcb198c7723302ecba094fee3ea85&scene=21&poc_token=HAFTBGmjqSmbXCdR7tezsfxsbrG2EbtMGK9BEFJX Key Issues in the Current Use of “Other Unfair Means” In current practice regarding trademark invalidation, the application of “other unfair means” faces several significant challenges: (a) Whether it should be applied alongside Article 4, […]

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The Strategic Importance of Protecting Trade Secrets – Lessons from Lao Gan Ma

Trade Secret /

In the global food industry, which is worth trillions of dollars, proprietary recipes are more than just ingredients—they are crucial competitive assets. The longstanding efforts of Coca-Cola to safeguard its formula and the notable 2016 case involving the theft of Lao Gan Ma’s chili sauce recipe, which caused losses exceeding ten million renminbi, clearly demonstrate

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Navigating Trademark Similarity Challenges in the Chinese Market: A Strategic Guide for Foreign Companies

Trademark /

For international businesses aiming to enter the expansive Chinese market, securing trademark protection is a vital step. However, a common challenge arises when your carefully developed trademark is deemed “similar” to one already registered or pending. This situation is not a dead end but rather a strategic juncture that calls for thoughtful planning and effective

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A Quick Dive into How China Timestamp Forensics Serves as a Guardian of IP Rights

Uncategorized /

For foreign companies aiming to safeguard their intellectual property in China, collecting reliable evidence can feel like a daunting task—especially when violations happen away from public attention. Traditionally, notarization has been the preferred method, but it often requires significant time and financial resources. Now, a groundbreaking court ruling has approved a new, efficient alternative: Trusted

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Cleansing the Shadows of Bad Faith? Exploring the Rule and Its Exception in Article 44 of the China Trademark Law

Trademark /

Insights from the Hualing HUALING Saga on Trademark Transfers In today’s environment of increasingly strict intellectual property protection in China, trademarks have become more important than ever as key corporate assets. Nevertheless, malicious activities related to trademark registration, such as hoarding and squatting, continue to pose challenges that disrupt market order. Article 44, Paragraph 1

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