Guideline on Enhanced Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Protection Issued in China
A directive released by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council calls for strengthening IPR protection which includes strengthening the punishment for infringements and counterfeiting. The directive calls for speeding up the introduction of a punitive compensation system for patent and copyright infringement as well as strengthening the protection of trade secrets and other confidential business information.
Source: China.org, 11/25/19
IP Big Data
The Korean Intellectual Property Office plans to leverage IP big data system to help enhance competitiveness of domestic materials, parts and equipment sectors with the goal of reducing utilization of foreign technologies. Goals for the initiative include refocusing South Korea’s R&D systems to be more centered around intellectual property development to improve small and medium size company competitiveness.
Source: Korea Herald, 11/14/19
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) Reports First Successful Multi-Jurisdiction Mediation
The IPOS reported its first successful alternative dispute resolution (ADR) using multi-jurisdiction IP mediation under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Enhanced Mediation Promotion Scheme (EMPS) launched earlier this year. The matter involved a dispute over the registration of three trademarks. After approximately 19 and a half hours of mediation, the matter was settled. Further details on the matter can be found on the IPOS website.
Source: IPOS press release, 11/12/19
Kenya New Data Privacy Law
The president of Kenya approved a data protection law which complies to European Union standards. The new law addresses on personally identifiable data is handled, stored and shared.
Source: RegionWeek, 11/8/19
5G
On Tuesday, Ericsson and OPPO announced their 5 G Joint Laboratory in Shenzhen, China after earlier this year signing a global patent license agreement. According to Andy Wu, President of OPPO’s Software Engineering, “the initiative leverages Ericsson’s advantages in 5G network and infrastructure technologies…with OPPO’s experience and expertise in 5G standards development…”
Source: Ericsson press release, 11/5/19
Thomas Cook Brand Acquired by Fosun
Tour operator Thomas Cook brand and other intellectual property assets were acquired by Shangahi-based Fosun out of bankruptcy for $14.2 million.
Source: Financial Times, 11/1/19