One of the first entities to be allowed to conduct IP business in the country, China Patent Agent (HK) has grown to be a very successful operation that works on a large volume of patent and trade mark applications and does a lot of litigation every year. It possesses an enviable clientele that includes such names as DuPont, Intel Corporation, Lilly China and Ericsson. "CPA is a very good firm overall. It provides good service and competent advice," says a client. He further singles out assistant general manager Tina Tai for praise: "Tina is very good. She is a good lawyer in court and before the PRB."
In a trade mark administrative case handled by the team last year, CPA represented Hino Motors to protect its Hino trade mark. A local company registered the same mark in the class of lubricants and the registration was approved by the China Trade Mark office (CTMO) and the Trademark Review and Adjudication Board (TRAB). The firm argued that the public is likely to get confused as products such as lubricants are closely related to engines and vehicles and Hino Motors has registered marks in those classes. The court supported its view and revoked the TRAB's reexamination decision.