China Trademarks: The Goldilocks Principle of When to Register
When it comes to China trademark registration, timing is everything. File too late, and someone else might beat you to your own brand. File too early, and you risk losing your trademark for non-use. Like Goldilocks, you need to get it just right.
The Cautious Client:…

Unfortunately, writing an NNN Agreement after your manufacturer has copied your products is the equivalent of shutting the barn door after all the cows have left. I cannot help be candid here: your factory is demonstrating unethical business practices. And while I wish a piece of paper could magically transform such behavior, the reality is…

The Madrid System for Trademarks: Powerful, But Not Always the Right Tool
The Madrid System for trademarks is like a chainsaw: incredibly powerful in the right hands, potentially destructive in the wrong ones. Here’s how to wield it safely.
This international trademark registration system allows applicants to extend a “basic” trademark application (typically filed in…

Russia Non-Use Cancellation Actions Signal Risk for Foreign Trademark Holders in China
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, foreign trademark owners have faced an increasingly volatile and unpredictable intellectual property environment. Forced to navigate a spider’s web of sanctions, corporate exits, and deteriorating diplomatic relations, many international brands scaled back or fully withdrew from…

Molds and Tooling in International Manufacturing: 30 Essential FAQs
On May 25, we published The Guide to Molds and Tooling in International Manufacturing, laying out just about everything we thought you need to know about molds, tooling, and the contracts that protect them—along with practical steps to secure your supply chain.
The response was…

U.S. Foreign Direct Investment and the New CFIUS Rules
The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is the front line of America’s national security defense in an era of volatile geopolitics. For many technology companies, understanding CFIUS is essential to raising capital, structuring deals, and ensuring long-term viability.
Established in 1975, CFIUS…

Navigating Trademark “Use” in China: Your Essential Guide
The Cornerstone of Chinese IP Law: Understanding Trademark “Use”
Navigating trademark law in China can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding what counts as legitimate trademark “use.” This guide will help you understand the key aspects of trademark use under Chinese law. It offers actionable…