{"id":5424,"date":"2021-07-14T16:28:54","date_gmt":"2021-07-14T06:28:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trademark-registration.com.au\/?p=5424"},"modified":"2021-09-07T09:30:16","modified_gmt":"2021-09-06T23:30:16","slug":"hong-kong-trade-marks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trademark-registration.com.au\/overseas-application\/hong-kong-trade-marks\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Tips for Australian Businesses Searching for Hong Kong Trade Marks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With a unique \u2018one country, two systems\u2019 policy that distinguishes it from mainland China, Hong Kong is a unique market for Australian businesses<\/a>. Considered an international financial hub and an excellent base for Australian businesses entering the Asian market, many Australian businesses are already taking advantage of the Australia-Hong Kong free trade agreement. It is important that before you trade with Hong Kong, you ensure you are not at risk of infringing on any intellectual property (IP) in Hong Kong. This article will take you through three tips for Australian businesses searching for Hong Kong trade marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Understand Hong Kong\u2019s Trade Mark System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before searching for Hong Kong trade marks, it is beneficial to understand Hong Kong\u2019s trade mark system. Hong Kong\u2019s trade mark system is similar to Australia in some ways. For example, trade marks can be cancelled for non-use if they have not been used for three years. Hong Kong\u2019s trade mark registration period is also for 10 years, and you can renew trade marks in Hong Kong indefinitely provided you follow the correct measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, a key difference is that Hong Kong is not part of the Madrid system<\/a>, which means it is impossible to file for a Hong Kong trade mark using this method. Instead, you will be required to make a trade mark application directly to Hong Kong\u2019s IP office. While this may be inconvenient, Hong Kong does allow Australian trade marks to claim priority. This means if you file for a Hong Kong trade mark within six months of filing your Australian trade mark, your trade mark will have priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Use Hong Kong\u2019s Search Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Hong Kong, the Intellectual Property Department of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR is responsible for all trade mark registrations. You can find a trade mark search tool<\/a> to conduct a thorough trade mark search on their website. This search tool allows you to search for trade marks in several ways, including searching by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n