March 1, 2003 marked the 20th anniversary of the promulgation and enforcement of China's Trademark Law; widespread publicity work was initiated in all parts of the province, and the corporate and social awareness of trademarks saw constant enhancement. The number of applications for trademark registration continuously grew at a stable rate. In 2003 trademark applications across the province totaled 76528, up 22.4% over the previous year, accounting for 17 % of the total nationwide; the number of trademark grants was 38708, up 22.1% over the previous year, accounting for 16% of the national sum. By the end of 2003, the accumulated registered trademarks in Guangdong reached 245663, ranking the first nationwide for nine straight years.

In order to implement the Famous Brands strategy and fortify protection of well-known trademarks, the Provincial Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC) recognized 216 Guangdong Famous Trademarks, and renewed recognition as such of 77 trademarks that had been recognized as Guangdong Famous Trademarks and, at the end of duration, applied to renew the recognition. From 1997 up to 2003, the Provincial AIC had recognized altogether 487 Guangdong Famous Trademarks in seven batches, exerting positive influence on the economic growth of local areas.

For fortification of trademark protection, the AICs at all levels in Guangdong intensified law enforcement and severely cracked down on trademark infringement and counterfeiting, scoring positive results in protecting trademarks as IPRs. In 2003, a total of 2011 cases of trademark infringement and counterfeit were investigated, 268 of which were general cases of illegal activities, and 1743 cases of trademark infringement and counterfeit; altogether over 9,010,000 (9 million and 10 thousand) pieces of trademark-infringing marks seized, 110 tons of goods destroyed, 23,960,000 (23 million and 960 thousand) RMB fined, and 3 people transferred to the Public Security authority for criminal charges.

Source: Office of Intellectual Property Protection Committee of the People¡¯s Government of Guangdong Province

Translated by: Li wei

Editor: Wing