"Trademark squatters" target fashion and textile companies
16/10/2012
High-profile designers and brands are particularly affected, even those who have not been targeting the Chinese market.
Laurian Davies, business development executive at UKFT, told sportstextiles that the issue has come to light following discussions with designers at Paris Fashion Week. “We have been made aware of a number of designers whose names have been registered and we want to gather more information on those who are affected,” she said.
Unlike in the UK where trademarks are registered on a first-to-use basis, in China the first person to register a trademark is the owner, and using this for future financial gain is known as “trademark squatting”.
“Anyone can register a trade name, and while this is not illegal it is potentially damaging to the brands,” added Ms Davies.
She said there are a “large number” of companies that have been affected recently, including up-and-coming designers who are beginning to establish their brands and identity.
UKFT asks that companies or individuals who feel they’ve been affected to contact them, and it hopes to discuss its findings with the relevant authorities, the embassy and possibly ministers once it has a clearer picture.
It is holding a seminar on protecting trademarks and intellectual property, Hands Off!, in London on November 6.
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