China Keeps An Eye on Internet Trademark Protection

China is paying greater attention to Internet trademark protection, focusing on the conflict between domain names and trademarks, Internet advertisement and shopping.

Internet services are expanding at an incredible rate in China, said Hou Liye, deputy director of Trademark Office under the State Administration for Industry and Commerce at a symposium on intellectual property.

The Trademark Office joined with China's domain name registration authorities to register domain names, Hou said. "This will not only protect well-known marks, but significantly promote public awareness of trademarks.

"We will continue to closely study Internet issues and devise measures compatible with China's current situation and that conform with international practices."

In 1999, industry and commerce authorities nationwide handled 32, 298 trademark cases. More than 200 million fake trademark signs were seized or removed, and 5.7 million yuan was paid in damages.

Hou said that the government is considering revising the Trademark Law to expand protection.

Please visit People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/