SAIC hails success of Special Action Programme

According to the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, between the implementation of its Special Action Programme in October 2010 and 11th February 2011 more than 38,000 counterfeiting cases were accepted by Administrations for Industry and Commerce (AICs) nationwide.

Implemented by the State Council in October 2010 to combat IP rights infringement and counterfeiting activities, the Special Action Programme involves:

• Enhancing control efforts at production points.
• Strengthening market supervision and management.
• Increasing control at borders and on the Internet.
• Raising awareness of IP rights protection through promotional campaigns.

Of the 38,000 cases accepted, more than 30,000 related to the infringement of well-known trademarks; 5,347 cases involved foreign owned trademarks – 597 cases related to the infringement of geographical indications; and 253 cases were transferred to the courts. In addition, 42,000 consumer complaints were accepted by AICs.

The China Trademark Office also examined 450,000 trademark applications, 81,000 of which were refused, including a high proportion of bad-faith applications. The AICs have also sent out 1.595 million enforcement officers and raided 3.877 million business units and 2,955 locations that were being used to manufacture and sell counterfeit goods.