Search for content of interest

  • About
  • ServiceS
    • Branding
    • Innovation
    • Naming
    • Strategy
    • Research
    • Design
  • Work
  • Insights
  • News
  • LOCATIONS
    • Shanghai
    • Paris
    • New York
    • Singapore
    • Malaysia

CN FR
  • About
  • ServiceS
    • Branding
    • Innovation
    • Naming
    • Strategy
    • Research
    • Design
  • Work
  • Insights
  • News
  • LOCATIONS
    • Shanghai
    • Paris
    • New York
    • Singapore
    • Malaysia
CONTACT

EN

  • CN
  • FR

Home Insights Our Thinking Detail

EXPERTISE

  • Research

INDUSTRY

  • Tech & Digital
Contact Us

Apple’s “iPad” Controversy Demonstrates Complexity and Importance of Protecting Brand Trademarks in China

In a recent development, Apple engaged in a $60 million settlement with Proview, a Chinese electronics company, over the “IPAD” trademark. Proview Technology (Shenzhen) argued that the initial sale did not include the brand trademark rights in China. This legal battle underscores the significance of safeguarding brand trademarks in China, exemplifying the complexities and potential challenges companies face in protecting their intellectual property rights within the Chinese market.

The Apple saga continues as the tech giant faces another trademark dispute, this time with Jiangsu Xuebao, a small family-owned chemical company. Jiangsu Xuebao alleges that Apple has violated its “Snow Leopard” trademark, for which the Chinese translation “Xuebao” is registered, adding a new layer to the complex landscape of brand trademarks in China.

Registering a foreign brand in China is a complex process, as highlighted by Apple’s recent trademark disputes. The initial step involves a meticulous legal check to determine name availability. Despite the database on the trademark official website, this is not the final decision. The brand then selects five names for further legal scrutiny. The formal application must be submitted to the trademark office in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau, underlining the intricacies involved in safeguarding brand trademarks in China.

In the article Find a Good Name in CBN Weekly, Labbrand’s VP & Creative Director Amanda Liu commented that “in Chinese brand naming, creativity is only about 20%. The rest are various restrictions. Many good Chinese names and characters have already been registered and using them could face trademark violation risks.

  • SHARE
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
BACK

Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest insights, tips, and trends in branding, naming and innovation.

Related Article




5 Best Tumblr Practices for Branding in the Tech Industry

Historically, branding specialists were more inclined to explore the potential of micro-videos on platforms like Vine or build a devoted LinkedIn following, rather than o…

Brand Architecture Strategy: Expertise to Guide the Way for Clarity

This article is part of our Brand Architecture series, where we clarify and identify best practices in brand architecture strategy that guides brand growth. Intro Brand a…

Gen Z & the Future of the Metaverse

A new virtual future. An evolution of the internet – the metaverse is a continuum of immersive, realistic digital experiences that are made available through integrated v…

Alphabet or Alpha Bet? How the Transformation of Brand Architecture Impacts Google

In a revolutionary move on August 10th, 2015, Larry Page announced Google's brand architecture transformation, creating the innovative holding company, Alphabet. This res…

Design for Success: How to Leverage Identity Design to Establish Your Brand in China

Navigating the dynamic Chinese market prompts brands to consider the extent of adaptation needed and how to balance it with their international heritage. As both foreign …

Peet’s Coffee – The Chieftain of Craft Coffee

In October, U.S. coffee chain Peet’s Coffee opened up its pop-up café in the middle of Jing’An district, Shanghai, bringing back its iconic 1966 California heritage store…

Malaysia Truly Asia? Examining Malaysia’s Positioning in SEA 

The "Malaysia Truly Asia" campaign has been a cornerstone of Malaysia's tourism branding since its inception in 1999. The campaign aimed to portray Malaysia as a microcos…

Top 10 Takeaways for Semiotics Researchers in China from Semiofest 2014

We have delved into and comprehended the intricacies of Chinese culture, translating our insights into actionable brand strategies. Employing semiotics as a research tool…

Ready to take your brand to new heights?

Let's start a conversation.
  • NEWSLETTER
  • CAREERS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • Labbrand Group
  • Labbrand
  • Madjor
  • SpringPillar

* Will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

A Labbrand Group Company © 2005-2025 Labbrand All rights reserved

沪ICP备17001253号-3
  • Follow us:
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

Contact us to get the latest insights, tips, and trends in branding, naming, and innovation.

* Will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

Cookie Notice

To improve your experience, we use cookies to provide social media features, offer you content that targets your particular interests, and analyse the performance of our advertising campaigns. By clicking on “Accept” you consent to all cookies. You also have the option to click “Reject” to limit the use of certain types of cookies. Please be aware that rejecting cookies may affect your website browsing experience and limit the use of some personalised features.

Accept Reject