New trademark law introduced in Hong Kong

Wednesday, 26 March 2003

Hong Kong is to introduce new trademark ordinance legislation which will adopt a new classification system and alter the period of registration. It will provide for multi-class applications and make other significant changes to the existing law. The law is due to come into force on 4 April this year. Hong Kong’s Legislative Council originally passed the bill some time ago in May 2000, but its implementation was delayed pending finalisation of the supporting computer service and necessary subsidiary legislation. "These items are now in place, and we will introduce the commencement notice and the Trade Mark Rules into the Legislative Council on February 12," a spokesman for the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau stated. "The Ordinance modernises Hong Kong's trade mark law, simplifies the registration of trade marks, increases the range of signs that can be registered as marks and provides increased protection to trade marks." The new rules set out the detailed procedures that relate to applications for registration, renewal, opposition to registration and other technical matters. They should mark a simplification of existing procedures and allow reduction in fees, as well as providing for the electronic submission of applications and documents.
"An effective and user-friendly regime for the protection of intellectual property rights is conducive to the long-term economic growth of Hong Kong and in its development as an international business centre," the spokesman said. "We believe the new system will make it easier for trade mark owners to register and protect their marks, and help reduce business costs."

Source: Hong Kong government press release