IPWG Training: How to Actively Engage Customs to Protect your IP

The China-Italy Chamber of Commerce (CICC) organized the second session of the training program “IP protection through Customs” on May 31st. In this second training, experts from our Intellectual Property Working Group (IPWG) and the China IP SME Helpdesk provided insights to companies on customs training, organization, and protection strategies.

“Customs can serve as a firewall in protecting the genuine products and detecting the fake goods. It is advisable for foreign brand owners to record their IPR in custom system and actively engage with the customs” - Ms Sai Chen, Wei Chixue Law Firm.

Our first expert, Ms Sai Chen, discussed how to train customs, increase customs awareness on products, and actively engage them to prompt action on counterfeiting in China. How to organize a training for your products with customs? Her suggestions are: 1. Select the proper custom 2. Contact with proper means 3. Proper timing; prepare the right content and information. 4. Maintaining a prompt communication with them is a key part in the process.

Our second expert, Ms Mia Li, HongFang Law, provided insights on effective Customs IPRs protection strategies. Ms Li suggested to register authorized shippers to customs whitelists to avoid seizure providing indications on what, when, how to complete the process.

She also discussed what are the possible actions if authorized goods are stopped by the Customs and provided a case study of Customs seizure initiated by trademark squatter.

The session was moderated by Guilherme Campos, IPWG Vice Coordinator.