IP news
(China IP)
Updated: 2011-05-03

French court fines Google USD 598,000 for IP infringement

Paris’ appeal court has found against Google on four counts, ordering the search firm to pay USD 598,000 damages. The court fined Google France and Google Inc. on one side against film producers Mondovino, a photographer and some documentary makers. The complainants argued that their works were appearing online, via the Google search engine and sometimes directly on Google Video, despite their demands that such material be withdrawn.

EU rules Pan-European patent court illegal

On March 8, the European Court of Justice ruled that the attempts to set up a pan-European court to handle patent litigation would violate EU law. The ECJ opinion states, “The agreement (to create a European patent court) would alter the essential character of the powers conferred on the institutions of the EU and on the member states, which are indispensable to the preservation of the very nature of EU law.” At the moment, alleged infringements of patents have to be challenged in national courts, creating huge costs and confusion.

Australia launches advisor finder

Australia recently launched the “Advisor Finder” at its governmental business website (business.gov.au), in addition to the existing “Business Strategy” and “Smart Start” on the website of IP Australia and the IP Toobox (www.iptoolbox.gov.au). The free services are intended to help SMEs look for local IP advisors supported by the government. They also include consultations on innovative product strategies, marketing operations and protection of intangible assets.

World IP Day “Designing the Future”

We celebrate the 11th World Intellectual Property Day on April 26, 2011. A few days ago, World Intellectual Property Organization published on its official website the theme of the World IP Day this year – “Designing the Future”. All organizers of events to mark the Day are welcome – and encouraged – to download and use the outreach materials or to develop their own, adjusting the theme where necessary.

Russian rejects “Volodya and Medvedi” brand

Russia’s patent agency refused to allow Royalti, a vodka maker to register as a trademark the name “Volodya and Medvedi”. Royalti argued that the name referred to the most popular names and to fairytales of Russia. However, the brand name was assessed “as a contemptuous attitude to the authorities,” the agency said, turning down the appeal by the company.

Chinese trademarks preempted in Canada

Three enterprises in Zhejiang Province received letters in January and March from the Chinese Embassy to Canada, forwarded by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, on the preemption of their trademarks in Canada. The enterprises, MengNa Hosiery, Newglory Jewelry and Kangnai, are all locals in Zhejiang Province.

Elan Microelectronics Corp. sued Apple Inc. for patent infringement

Sources with Taiwan Elan Microelectronics Corp. said on March 30 that a complaint had been submitted to the United States International Trade Commission on Apple Inc.'s infringement of its patents. On similar grounds the Taiwan corporation accused Apple in a lawsuit last year.

Apple did not infringe Nokia's 5 patents

The United States International Trade Commission ruled on March 25 (local time) that Apple did not infringe Nokia’s five patents. Nokia charged Apple with infringement of its ten patents in Oct. 2009, and claimed for damages.

Canada’s Copyright Bill to cost songwriters USD 35 million a year

Days ago, Bill C-32, a copyright legislation proposed by the Harper government, met with a strong protest from CMRRA-SODRAC Inc. (CSI). The Bill allows broadcasters to reproduce music works for their programs without the consents of songwriters or copyright owners, or paying any fees to them. Were the Bill to pass, it would reduce by USD34.9 million song writers and music publishers annually earn.