Frequently Asked Questions on the Opening up of
Trade Mark Agency Service in the Mainland

Before the implementation of CEPA, it was difficult for Hong Kong companies to set up trademark agencies in the Mainland. Starting from January 2005, service suppliers from Hong Kong have been permitted to operate trade mark agencies in the Mainland by establishing limited liability corporations. Hong Kong service suppliers have to register with the Administration for Commerce and Industry at the provincial level and acquire the qualification of a statutory operating body before operating in the Mainland.

1. Who may benefit from the opening up of trade mark agency services in the Mainland?

Starting from 1 January 2005, Hong Kong service suppliers who satisfy the conditions set out in Annex 5 of the “Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement” can provide trade mark agency services in the Mainland subject to complying with certain prescribed conditions.

2. What type of services can Mainland trade mark agencies provide?

Mainland trade mark agencies can accept appointments as agents to provide the following services in the Mainland:

(i) handle matters relating to trade mark application, modification, renewal, assignment, opposition, revocation, examination and infringement;

(ii) provide legal advice and act as legal consultant on trade mark laws; and

(iii) handle other trade mark related legal matters.

3. Can a Hong Kong trade mark agency undertake trade mark agency service in the Mainland?

Under the “Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement”, a Hong Kong service supplier can undertake trade mark agency service in the Mainland after registering with the Administration for Industry and Commerce （工商行政管理局）at the provincial level and acquiring the qualification of a statutory operating body. On 24 November 2004, the State Administration for Industry & Commerce (SAIC) issued the “Temporary Measures Concerning Trademark Agency by Service Providers from Hong Kong and Macao SAR in Mainland” (《香港、澳门服务提供者在内地开展商标代理业务暂行办法》). The Temporary Measures describe in details the formalities and conditions which Hong Kong service suppliers are required to comply with when setting up trade mark agencies in the Mainland. The full text of the Temporary Measures can be found in the website of SAIC.<http://sbj.saic.gov.cn/english/show.asp?id=217&bm=sbyw>.

4. Under what legal structures can Hong Kong service suppliers provide trade mark agency services in the Mainland?

The “Temporary Measures Concerning Trademark Agency by Service Providers from Hong Kong and Macao SAR in Mainland” (《香港、澳门服务提供者在内地开展商标代理业务暂行办法》) provides that starting from 1 January 2005, service providers from Hong Kong and Macao are permitted to set up limited liability corporations in the Mainland to undertake trade mark agency services in the form of joint ventures, cooperative enterprises and Hong Kong or Macao invested enterprises.

5. What are the laws, regulations, rules and other provisions that are relevant to the “Temporary Measures Concerning Trademark Agency by Service Providers from Hong Kong and Macao SAR in Mainland” (《香港、澳门服务提供者在内地开展商标代理业务暂行办法》)?

Particulars of the laws, regulations, rules and other provisions that are relevant to the Temporary Measures can be found in the website of Intellectual Property Department below. <http://www.ipd.gov.hk/eng/whats_new/news/Article4_of_Temporary_Measures_eng.pdf >.