China is simply a massive market growing at an astounding rate. The appetite for foreign brands and products is developing and evolving with every year. For many companies China is still considered to be an untapped resource, offering huge potential sales and market share. However, these companies are also wary about doing business here for a number of very good reasons. The possibility of trademark infringement is one very big reason. Over...

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the breakfast for the Irish Trade and Investment Mission to China. Hosted by Enterprise Ireland, there were some really poignant speeches from An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton. Afterwards, I also briefly visited the Tourism Ireland lunch, which was in great attendance by many locals. It’s clear that there’s a real drive back home to make...

This year marked the 20th Anniversary of the St. Patrick’s Day Irish Ball in Beijing. With the luck of the Irish, St. Patrick’s Day this year landed on a Saturday, so around about the time everyone back home was lining Dame Street for the parade, we were all dolled up for an event that raises tens of thousands of Yuan for great causes each year. As well as supporting the Beijing GAA and Beijing Celtics clubs, this year the Irish...

The following is a simplistic and very basic interpretation of what is going on with Apple’s trademark infringement case for the name “iPad” in China. The thoughts and views expressed here are my personal opinions. What can we learn from the Apple vs Proview ongoing case? In the early 2000’s Apple hired a company, Proview Taiwan, to purchase the trademarks for several product names in the Asia area, including in mainland...

Some of you may not have heard about the GRI from 1st March 2012 from almost all shipping carriers yet. But you will likely feel the pinch when you notice shipping prices for containers almost doubling after 1st of March. Here is what is happening and what we’re being told:   Where & What? The increases will be applied as follows: Origin Range: From All Asian ports (including Japan, South East Asia, Colombo...

Dave’s ayi turned up today with a brand new phone. You most likely won’t find this on the shelves at your local Carphone Warehouse. Apparently Nokia is being designed by Apple in California. Enjoy the pics, comments...