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Intellectual Property

Protection, transactions, and enforcement systems for brand, technology, and content assets.

When You May Need This

These scenarios usually benefit from early legal assessment to control transaction, operational, or dispute risks.

Systematic protection for brand, technology, or content assets

Infringement, counterfeiting, or unfair competition

Legal support for technology cooperation, licensing, or transfer

Weak internal trade secret protection

Services

We support clients from risk identification through document execution and implementation.

Trademark and patent protection
Copyright protection
Trade secret protection
IP litigation
Licensing and transfer
Infringement investigation

How We Work

We establish clear steps and communication points based on urgency and complexity.

  1. 01

    Map IP assets and business scenarios

  2. 02

    Develop filing, protection, and enforcement paths

  3. 03

    Preserve infringement evidence and take legal action

  4. 04

    Improve licensing, confidentiality, and internal compliance documents

Key Deliverables

  • IP protection plan
  • Infringement investigation materials
  • Enforcement letters or litigation documents
  • Licensing, transfer, and confidentiality documents

Who We Serve

  • Technology companies
  • Manufacturers
  • Brand owners
  • Content companies

Frequently Asked Questions

General information on common questions in this practice area. Advice on a specific matter depends on its facts and documents.

When should a brand apply for trademark registration?

China follows a first-to-file system. File before the brand launches or is publicised, covering core goods and services and likely expansion classes. For overseas markets, use the Madrid System or national filings in advance. A clearance search before filing reduces refusal and opposition risk.

Is copyright protected without registration?

Copyright arises automatically when a work is completed, and registration is voluntary. Registration certificates, drafts, creation records, proof of first publication, timestamps and blockchain records all help prove ownership and creation date in enforcement. Software, designs and videos that are easy to copy should be evidenced before release.

How much compensation can be claimed for IP infringement?

Damages are based on the right holder's actual loss, the infringer's profits, or a reasonable multiple of licence fees. For wilful and serious infringement, punitive damages of one to five times may apply. Where these amounts are hard to determine, courts may award statutory damages of up to RMB 5 million for trademarks and copyright, and RMB 30,000 to 5 million for patents.

What is the first step after discovering infringement?

Preserve evidence first through notarised purchases, notarised web captures, timestamps or blockchain records of the products, listings, sales data and marketing. Then assess the right and the infringement comparison, and choose among warning letters, platform complaints, administrative complaints, litigation or pre-action injunctions. The Guangzhou Intellectual Property Court hears technical cases such as patents.

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Research from Longan South China Institute

Long-form analysis by Longan lawyers, published on the Longan South China Institute site.

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