What differences would the latest changes in China’s trademark rules make? Hong Kong-based SIPS shares its reading recently. 

As Joe Simone at SIPS points out, the new rules “finally allow the suspension of cases before the TRAD the outcome of which depends on co-pending cases.  If properly implemented, we should see costs for brand owners fall, and ultimately the registration process accelerated for companies held up by bad faith filers or deadwood marks that await cancellation for non-use”.

On a related note, he added, “we’re hoping now for further rules that will lead to acceleration and consolidation of all cases involving bad faith filers. Perhaps a little more noise from industry stakeholders could help encourage CNIPA to look again at the issue. Rules issued in 2019 allowed both acceleration and consolidation, but implementation has been thin.”

Click here to learn more about PRC Trademark Prosecution – New Rules on Suspension of TRAD Cases.