A comparison of the two tools available in China to protect
visual assets
Writing in Managing IP, Melvin Mei has examined the two ways you
can protect visual assets in China - 3D trade marks and
Designs.
"In China, registered design protects "how an article
looks" and is considered one of the three types of patents
defined under the China Patent Law. The others are invention
patents and utility model patents, which protect "how an
article works". "How an article looks" is also at
the heart of trademark protection.
There are several ways in which rights owners can make the most
out of these systems, however brand owners must understand the
similarities and differences between them before choosing which is
best for them."
