China’s new Trademark Law has been issued and will become effective on May 1, 2014. Important changes are made in the areas of anti-piracy, prosecution, enforcement, well-known mark determination and usage, opposition, and cancellation.
The changes include:
- Strengthened protection against piracy;
- Shortened trademark prosecution times;
- Sound marks and multiple class trademark applications made available;
- Strengthened well-known mark protection;
- Narrowed legal standing for oppositions and invalidation;
- Increased fines, compensation, and statutory damage against infringement.
