The Philadelphia law offices of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld, LLP hosted a full conference room of companies anxious to learn about the how their companies could be affected by Chinese IPR laws and enforcement issues.  Mr. Yitai Hu, of Akin Gump, an IPR specialist covering arbitrations on patent infringement, trade secret misappropriations, and licensing disputes, particularly in Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, provided his expertise on the current status of IPR advances and how companies need to take proactive steps to protect themselves. 

As the IPR laws are being gradually improved, US companies need to create their own strategies to enter or stay in the lucrative Chinese market.  As an example of success in overcoming Chinese IPR infringement, James Williams, President of Fetterolf Corporation, gave a presentation of his unique approach to overcoming his Chinese competitors who copied Fetterolf’s products and trademark.  Fetterolf, a local manufacturer of specialty valves for highly corrosive applications, refused to let the Chinese and German copiers keep them out of China, a critical market for the small company.  While Fetterolf took the necessary steps for IPR protection, Mr. Williams crafted a low-keyed, but aggressive marketing and business relationship development program that promoted the safety and product reliability advantages highly regarded by his customers.  As Fetterolf’s reputation grew, Chinese end-users began to demand Fetterolf’s products over competitors’ significantly cheaper counterfeit valves.

China is not the only country where IPR issues concern companies.  The meeting continued with a focus on India with Sushama and Supriya Kanetkar, the Pennsylvania Trade Representatives based in Bangalore, India, providing additional perspectives on IPR issues in India.  They also discussed some issues of corruption and how the market is evolving.

The WTCGP is the regional representative for the PA Overseas Representatives and acts as a resource to assist companies entering international markets.  Please contact the WTCGP for assistance on IPR in either India or China or for more information on the CEO’s China Operations Club.

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October 3, 2005
Pennsylvania International Week

Platinum Sponsor - Select Greater Philadelphia

Silver Sponsor - Praxis Capital, LP

October 14, 2005
Annual State of the Port Address and Luncheon

October 20, 2005

Breakfast Around the Region "International Trade: Assessing Country Risk"

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