Trademark registrations in China soared last year, with up to
588,000 applications, the highest in the world for three years in a
row.
The figure is 30 percent higher than the previous year and more
than double the number in 2001, when China was admitted to the
World Trade Organization, said An Qinghu, director of the State
Administration for Industry and Commerce's Trademark Bureau, on
Sunday.
Overseas applicants also rose, exceeding 60,000 in 2004, a 29.82
percent year-on-year growth, he said.
An said that the continued increase in registrations not only
reflects achievements in protecting intellectual property rights,
but indicates great confidence in China's investing and market
environment.
(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2005)