Practical Answers
Do I Need a China Trademark Before I Talk to a Manufacturer?
A practical answer for foreign brands and product teams deciding whether China trademark action should come before supplier conversations.
Insights
How to Protect Your Idea Quickly in China: A Personal Note from the Train
As I sit on a high‑speed train to Xiamen to meet with clients, I’m writing this post because I’ve been getting the same question lately from international founders: “How can I protect my idea in China before it’s even ready for market?” In the U.S., many startups rely on a provisional patent application. It’s like a placeholder that locks in your filing date for 12 months while you refine your product. It’s affordable, flexible and gives you breathing room to perfect your design. But China plays by different rules. There is no provisional system. So what can you do? The answer lies in a unique strategy: filing a utility‑model patent and an invention patent at the same time.
Insights
Why IP之道 Isn't Just a Book — It's a Blueprint for Your Brand's China Entry
Peter Lin co-authored IP之道 to bridge the gap between IP theory and real business strategy. Here's how that philosophy became China IP Gateway.
Trademark Protection
China Trademark Registration Guide 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Comprehensive guide to registering and protecting your trademark in China's first-to-file system