Free business tools to manage your Intellectual Property Rights in China

Funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP), the China IPR SME Helpdesk supports European Union (EU) small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to both protect and enforce their Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in or relating to China, through the provision of free information and services. These take the form of jargon-free, first-line, confidential advice on intellectual property and related issues, plus training, materials and online resources. The current project runs from December 2010 – December 2013, and comprises a total budget of EUR 3,000,000 over the three year period.

 

The Helpdesk's free services for European SMEs include:

 

Helpdesk Enquiry Service – Confidential Advice

Individual SMEs and SME intermediaries can submit IPR enquiries directly to the Helpdesk via phone, email or in person, getting access to a panel of experts to receive free and confidential first-line advice.

 

 

Training

The Helpdesk arranges training on China IPR protection and enforcement in Europe and China, tailored to the needs of SMEs:

- General IPR issues, including IP registration and establishing an IP protection strategy.

- Practical business challenges such as choosing a Chinese business partner, attending a trade fair, licensing.

- Helpdesk IPR Clinics offering SMEs free 20 minute one-on-one consultations with an IP expert are available at many training events.

- Train-the-trainer resources for SME service providers and intermediary bodies to improve the awareness of intermediary representatives about the scope and tools offered by the China IPR SME Helpdesk.

 

Materials

Industry and business-focused guides and training materials address China IPR issues by:

- IP topic, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, licensing, dealing with counterfeiting.

- Business focus, including IP as a business asset, technology transfer, finding the right lawyer.

- Industry, including textiles, medical devices, ceramics.

 

Online Services

The multi-lingual online portal provides easy access for all EU SMEs to Helpdesk information and services, including Helpdesk guides, E-learning modules, event information, and live webinars.

 

Helpdesk Experts

 

Helpdesk Partners