In 2006, the volumes of trademark applications and registrations maintained a rapid and stable growth. Up to November, the number of trademark registration had exceeded 350,000. The AICs in GD guided enterprises in implementing the strategy of "Famous Brands Strategy". In 2006, GD newly got 29 Chinese Well-known Trademarks, and the total number of such trademarks in GD reached 84, ranking first in China. The GD Provincial AIC continued to cultivate and identify GD Famous Trademarks. Since August, 4323 applications for GD Famous Trademarks and 265 applications for renewal were received. The total number of applications reached 697, up 36.9 per cent over the previous year.

The AICs in GD also actively supported cultivation of agricultural product brands, and strengthened protection of agriculture-related trademarks. For example, Qingyuan Municipal AIC assisted in registering local famous agricultural products of high quality. AICs of Yangjiang, Foshan and Yufu guided local enterprises in applying for registration of such trademarks as Mashui Orange, Black Skin Melon and Yunan Seedless Wampee respectively. As a result, great progress was made in agricultural product trademark registration. Meanwhile, GD Provincial AIC promoted the pilot work of creating regional international brands. In 2006, such work was launched in Dalang Town of Dongguan, Chenghai District of Shantou and Fengxi District of Chaozhou. Main efforts were put in Dalang Town, where trademark applications were filed for all domestic categories and the plan was to file trademark applications in 76 major countries and regions.

In 2006, the AICs in GD launched special campaigns for trademark protection in wholesale and retail markets; they listed as priority raid targets all the well-known wholesale markets, large-scale retail centers and star-rated hotels in GD major cities. Special efforts were given to tackle the problem of selling counterfeit products in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and Shenzhen Luohu Commerce Town in particular. Integrating routine supervision with special operations, GD AICs severely suppressed trademark-related illegal activities. By the end of 2006, 2,358 cases of trademark infringement were investigated, involving over 83.8997 million RMB worth of goods; a total fine of 31.0598 million RMB was imposed. 5.1812 million illegal trademark labels confiscated or destroyed, 674 trademark printing tools confiscated, and 420.58 tons of counterfeit products seized and destroyed. 38 cases involving 33 defendants were transferred to judicial authorities.

Editor: Wing