IPR Special: Patent investment boosts province

Beginning in November 2004, the Hubei IPR administration implemented a program to intensify intellectual property management and protection in business and government institutions. The purpose of this project was to provide essential guidance for 50 businesses and government institutions in the province in their bid to set up their own IPR management systems.

Today, many operations in the province have an exemplary IPR function, notably a number of State-owned enterprises, including the Wuhan Iron and Steel (Group) Corporation, the Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Kingdream Public Limited Company and FiberHome Technologies. A number of privately owned businesses have also distinguished themselves in this area, especially the Hubei Dinglong Chemical Co, the Chutian Laser Group and Jin Brand Co Ltd.

Wang Dongfeng, deputy director-general of the Science and Technology Department of Hubei province and director-general of Hubei Province Intellectual Property Right Administration, said businesses in the province, whether State-owned or privately owned, have now implemented the patent application process in a strategic bid to gain advantages over international and domestic market competitors.