The Greater China IP Updates ˇV Feb 2023

By Lyndon 

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Chinaˇ¦s Huawei Technologies Co. Extends Mobile Patents Deal with Nokia

Huawei has continued to spend heavily on research to safeguard its lead in 5G networking.  This has resulted in companies like Nokia, Apple, Samsung paying royalties to license various patents in ultra-fast broadband technology.  Huawei signed more than 20 patent license agreements in 2022, covering smartphones, connected vehicles, networking and the Internet of Things, with the Nokia deal being the latest.  Although the details of the Nokia deal are confidential, the news indicates proof of an ongoing appetite for access to Huaweiˇ¦s next-generation telecom patents.  After a series of tech export bans signed into law during the Trump administration, Huawei made up for its lack of access to critical US technologies (which damaged its ability to make smartphones and servers) by focusing on ultra-fast broadband technology.  Other applications of wireless technology have created patent licensing business with some of the biggest names in the car industry such as Audi, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Porsche, Renault, Suzuki, Lamborghini, Subaru and Bentley.  Intellectual property collaborations and licensing are two of the few ways that Huawei can do business with developed markets such as Europe, the U.S. and others that are increasingly looking at international trade through a security lens.  Although Huaweiˇ¦s net profit fell 40% in the first three quarters of 2022, it further hopes to boost income with new products and services focusing on artificial intelligence, wireless communication gear for customers ranging from automakers to coal mines to industrial parks.

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The China National Intellectual Property Administration Takes Swift Action against World Cup IP Squatters

Recently, the CNIPA issued the Circular on Combating Trademark Registration by Squatting World Cup-related Words and Logos.  During the lead up to the World Cup and during the competition, various companies and individuals attempted to register, with malicious intention, the names of high profile football stars and other trending words and symbols.  The administration rejected 26 applications for trademark registration, pursuant to an array of provisions such as Item 7, Paragraph 1, Article 10 and Paragraph 1, Article 44 of the Chinese Trademark Law.  This can be seen as CNIPAˇ¦s intention to remain committed to cracking down on squatters by offering prompt legal protection to trademarked World Cup-related words and symbols, including the World Cup, its mascot, and the names of star players as part of a wider struggle against those who infringe on IP holders rights, and more generally, to bolster the social and public interest and other peopleˇ¦s right to their names..

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