IPA takes measures to support innovation

The city’s Intellectual Property Administration says it has adopted a number of measures to support enterprises amid the coronavirus epidemic. 

These include providing green channels, strengthening patent protection and financial support for companies in difficulty, it said during a press conference on Friday.

Green channels for IP on virus prevention innovation have been opened to provide faster procedures, said an IPA spokesman.

So far, patent applications and trademark registration for protective gear, face masks, infusion control devices and anti-infection devices are undergoing inspection.

Relief measures are implemented to encourage small enterprises in financing difficulties to get loans through IP, including patent assessment guidance and financial tracking services, particularly for companies fueling the frontline fight against the epidemic.

To date, one company has garnered a 3-million-yuan (US$432,000) IP loan. Another six enterprises’ financing applications are in process.

Authorities are also facilitating production of virus prevention innovations. IP data analysis guidance has been provided for the mass production of a lately developed mask pad within 10 days.

Currently, new patent on prioritized medical protective gear has been approved, with prototypes tested in hospitals to benefit medical workers.

The administration will also intensify crackdown on IP infringements and illegal trademark agencies, particularly those on medical protection products.

Appeals of patent violations on virus prevention materials such as sanitizers and medical equipment will be scrutinized, the spokesman said.

As of now, cases have been filed on counterfeiting 3M anti-particulate masks, patent violations on detergents and selling illegal unpatented masks. Songjiang District authorities have crushed a fake mask case and seized over 100,000 illegal masks worth a total of 1 million yuan.