#general-chat
Thread
Hi everyone!
Have any of you filed for patent protection in China?
Have any of decided not to file for patent protection in China?
Would love to hear from other operators about their decision making on this. Thanks everyone. 🙌
Do you or anyone you know have any experience with this? @Tony Zheng <@U08DNDTNBGR> <@U099CAMT4SU> @Matt Hertz - ThirdPerson.​co <@U085SS935U3>
I have little direct perspective here since my current focus is more so on the logistics side of the house, but from a logistics/supply chain view, even if you never plan to sell in China, if you manufacture there, filing is often considered insurance. China is 'first-to-file.' If you don't file, a competitor (or even a rogue supplier) can file a patent for your product in China and then legally block your goods from leaving the country (seized at customs for 'infringing' their patent).
Ten years ago, people said 'don't bother, you can't enforce it.' The sentiment has shifted. IP courts in major hubs (Shenzhen/Shanghai) are much better now, and having the paper allows you to issue takedowns on Chinese marketplaces much faster.
But my underlying recc is to talk to a lawyer!
Thank you, Matt! My lawyer has been incredibly helpful, but I love to get input from actual operators, too.
Did you file in the EU at all?