Securing Your Brand in China: Effective IP Protection & Enforcement

We warmly invite you to join us for a seminar collaboratively organised by the UKFT (UK Fashion and Textile Association) and Dan Plane from China-based IP consultancy, SIPS, for this seminar and Q&A session on brand protection and the enforcement of intellectual property rights in the PRC.

SIPS China will provide an overview of the current situation and how UK companies can protect themselves against trade mark squatting and IP infringements.

Drawing on over 20 years’ experience in private practice and as an in-house lawyer at Louis Vuitton managing their Asia-Pacific anti-counterfeiting program, Dan will share strategies and best practices for safeguarding your brand in China, explore the available tools for combating counterfeit goods, and explain how to craft a cost-effective enforcement programme.

The presentation will cover:

• Introduction to the challenges faced by UK companies with their IP, especially in the Far East

• Best practices for the prevention of brand theft, including trademarks, copyrights, business partner vetting, contracts, and customs recordal.

• Tools to combat online and offline counterfeiting, such as C&Ds, takedowns, investigations, and civil lawsuits.

• Identifying and prioritizing targets for action, sample purchases/evidence preservation, and ongoing monitoring.

• Q&A session

About the Speakers

Paul Alger MBE, UKFT

As UKFT’s Director of International Business, Paul has worked with UK designers and manufacturers in the fashion and textile industry since 1989, representing the industry on a number of national committees and groups and awarded an MBE for services to Fashion and Exports in 2019.

In 2018, he was elected Chairman of Export Partners UK (a cross-sectoral not-for-profit organisation set up to encourage a joined up approach to UK exports, international trade and relations with government) and actively campaigns for better market access.

Dan Plane, SIPS

A China IP specialist for over 20 years focusing on both enforcement of rights – both in Asia and globally – and trademark prosecution. Dan has also served on the International Trademark Association’s (INTA) Anti-Counterfeiting and Parallel Imports Committees.

Before joining SIPS, Dan worked in Shanghai and Hong Kong with Baker McKenzie and Gide, and previously in-house, managing anti-counterfeiting programs throughout Asia for LVMH and in EMEA for Nokia.

Dan acts on behalf of a wide range of clients, including garment manufacturers, electronics and computer companies, pharmaceuticals companies, and luxury goods manufacturers. Of particular note is his wealth of experience in designing and managing regional intellectual property programs and IP security programs in supply chain and distribution contexts.

Please get in touch with info@ukft.org to discuss any accessibility requirements or any questions about the event.