Companies get smart with IP strategies

Companies get smart with IP strategies

    High-tech companies across China are increasingly focusing on patent protection as they strive to raise the value of the "made-in-China" brand.

    One such company is Beijing's Aigo Digital Technology Co Ltd, a leading IT specialist that focuses on portable data storage, digital players, digital cameras, computer components and information security solutions.

    Aigo is dedicated to promoting homegrown brands on the international market, said Huang Jing, the company's intellectual property supervisor. He said owning proprietary intellectual property ensures a company remains competitive and increases the added value of its products.

"At the same time that the government is encouraging innovation to build an innovative nation, the companies, as a key force of innovation, must have a proper intellectual property strategy," Huang said.

    Before the company starts developing a new product, its legal department researches trademarks and patents for similar technologies to avoid risk of infringement. In addition, it seeks to develop new technology by building on what has already been patented.

Aigo is the owner of more than 2,000 trademarks and 1,200 patents. It has registered trademarks in around 100 countries and applied for more than 30 patents overseas via the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

    In the last year alone, four of its patents were granted in the United States, including the design of its Ge-Yao camera, which integrates elements of traditional Chinese porcelain.

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(China Daily)