HKSAR Intellectual Property Department Open Day

The Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department is going to have an Open Day on 9 Feb this week, however, I only knew this from one of an association as a member. In the official web site of IPD, this event was not listed.... Well, that seems a good invitation to this event.

Web site of the Intellectual Property Department of HKSAR

Please check that out on the official web site:
http://www.ipd.gov.hk

So I will give you my non-official view on the HK Patent later.

Definition of Patents in Hong Kong

I have been very busy in January. Not that I have finished my work now, I just do this during lunch for an reply to one of the reader. Will tell that works in January later.

A reader asked about what is the definition of Patents in Hong Kong. I am not adding value to cite you the law, as law are easily accessed via the web.

Hong Kong was under British ruling for more than 150 years, so law and regulation related to intellectual property protection pretty much follows British system and that has not been changed since China took over, excepted for some operational aspects.

Now the fine print: legally Hong Kong has an independent legal system, meaning patent needs registered in Hong Kong before it got protection. For example, if a patent is registered in China, it won't get automatic protection in Hong Kong.

Then what is the patents application system? There is no examination system but only a registration system. The Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department doesn't have a group of engineers and attorneys to examine patent applications. They rely on the respective 'central government' patent office(s), this is not a political correct statement but will give you the idea. Before 1997, legal owner of a patent can apply for registration in Hong Kong if the same have been granted in U.K. Since 1 July 1997, legal owner of a patent can apply for registration in Hong Kong if the same have been granted in China, U.K. OR the European Patent Office (designating U.K.).

I want to add that there are two types of patent in Hong Kong and there is a time schedule when to file registration.

More questions before you read this? Guess so, let me put some more Hong Kong patent related issues in future blog.

An agent that sells your idea

I can't say it is common, but I saw it more than once.

When I was searching for association in China, I was told that we could have other form of cooperation: I, as a business man, can look for investors from oversea. The guy was very proud of the files of patent applications, saying that some of those information represented potential for investment, and most important of all, he knew the invention before anyone else.

I have difficulty in dealing with a self appointed invention dealer and I couldn't trust the guy with confidential information, so I said goodbye as soon as I can.

In search of French and Spain patent agent

I have urgent need to find a good French and Spain patent agent, any recommendation? I have English (and Chinese) version of patent application ready and need to file application in France and Spain. In a hurry. Any reader have recommendation or directory to search, please drop a word.