Henry Li on IP & Trademark: Know the Differences and Protect Your Idea

We have recently discussed how microbrand watch owners can protect its intellectual property in China since many microbrand companies assemble their products by Chinese manufacturing partners. Mr. Henry Li, a Chinese IP Law Specialist with YK Law LLP in Southern California, he helped us put together a short summary for us to share:

 · A design patent protects any new, original and ornamental design for a useful article of manufacture. Design Patents are very popular among companies. These cover things like graphical user interfaces, icons on computer screens, smartphone and tablet designs, and any other characteristics that are ornamental in nature. A standard utility patent protects an item’s processes or function, and a design patent protects its looks and form.
 

· A copyright protects any original work of authorship that has been fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed.
 

· A trademark protects a word, phrase, symbol or trade dress associated with your business. The moment you name your business and use it in commercial practice, or develop trade dress, a brand or the like, you can mark it as ™ or, if you register it, an ®.
 

If you would to find out more about any of these forms of Intellectual Property and file trademark applications in China, please feel free to call Mr. Henry Li at 212-837-2600 for a free consultation.

Mr. Henry Li is the co-founder, co-managing partner of YK Law LLP and head its China Practice. He is also a partner of Beijing Yingke Law Firm, the largest law firm in China. Henry Li practices principally in the areas of corporate and international law, with emphasis on cross-border and joint venture transactions, international sales and distribution transactions, technology transfers and licensing, cross-jurisdiction dispute resolutions etc. Mr. Li has extensive experience in transactions between China and the U.S. He is graduated from Maurer School of Law, Indiana University Bloomington; and holds bar license in the People's Republic of China. He resides in Southern California.