China unveils report on NEV IP protection

China on Wednesday unveiled a report on intellectual property (IP) protection for Chinese new energy vehicles (NEV) at the ongoing second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing.

The report, titled "Research on Overseas Trademark Registration and Protection for Chinese New Energy Vehicles" was released by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). It highlights that China has established a comprehensive industrial ecosystem that covers key areas such as basic chips, sensors, and computing platforms. The development of China's intelligent connected vehicle sector is rapidly advancing, with many Chinese auto brands swiftly completing their initial global trademark registrations.

However, the report notes that there is still room for improvement in areas such as monitoring and preventing trademark squatting, more proactive strategies for cutting-edge products and services, and handling of overseas trademark disputes.

"[We should] strengthen the protection of overseas intellectual property for new energy vehicles, organize industry associations to participate in the formulation of international rules and standards for the new energy vehicle sector, and guide and support enterprises in their international trade and investment cooperation," said Zhang Shaogang, vice president of the CCPIT at the release ceremony.

The official also emphasized that auto manufacturers typically hold extensive and diverse IP portfolios. Due to fierce market competition, intellectual property risks and disputes are unavoidable. In addition to legal jurisdiction, international practice often favors arbitration or mediation to resolve cross-border disputes. Both intellectual property organizations and the CCPIT have established arbitration and mediation mechanisms to help Chinese automakers in resolving cross-border IP disputes.

Additionally, exhibitors in the smart vehicle section of the expo launched the "Joint Initiative to Co-create a Low-Carbon Smart Mobility Future". The initiative advocates for the integration of technological innovation, policy support, and market mechanisms to build a low-carbon, smart mobility ecosystem while promoting the convergence of vehicles, roads, and cloud technologies.

Themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," the five-day expo opened on Tuesday, putting a spotlight on a more "chain-centric" approach. Through booth placements and exhibit configurations, it demonstrates critical points across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of various chains.

China unveils report on NEV IP protection

China unveils report on NEV IP protection

A wildfire that engulfed part of a forest in Shantou City of south China's Guangdong Province on Sunday has been extinguished after 17 hours of concerted efforts by multiple departments including emergency response, firefighting and public security units.

Villagers living at the foot of Xianglu Mountain were the first to notice the fire erupting on its slopes.

"It looked far away and I thought it was just someone burning garbage," recalled one villager.

Upon discovering the fire, local authorities immediately organized personnel to combat the flames, with mobilization of over 200 rescuers from surrounding areas to assist in the firefighting efforts.

"We were divided into two to three groups, with one conducting regular firefighting and another using water pumps to extinguish the fire," said one rescuer.

Given the rapid spread of the fire, local officials also called in aerial support with helicopters to aid in extinguishing the blaze. Furthermore, many personnel organized by local grassroots departments were actively involved in the firefighting efforts.

By 06:00 on Monday, the wildfire was finally extinguished without causing any casualties. The dry climate in winter increases the risk of forest fire in the region. However, the cause of the forest fire is still under investigation.

Wildfire extinguished in south China's Guangdong after 17 hours of efforts