Epson Granted Official Recognition as a Well-Known Trademark in China
– TOKYO, Japan, October 10, 2007 –
On September 14, 2007, Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson") was granted official recognition from the Chinese State Administration for Industry and Commerce as a well-known trademark in China for the company’s trademark, "Epson." Four Japanese corporate brands were newly recognized at this time, bringing the total to 10 brands that have received this status to date. In the printer field, Epson is the first brand to receive the well-known trademark.
The well-known trademark is the recognition by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce of a trademark that is widely known throughout all of China. By receiving well-known trademark approval, the scope of Epson’s trademark protection in China broadens, making it easier to prevent acts of infringement by third parties, including unauthorized registration or use of the Epson trademark.
In recent years, there has been a rise around the world in incidences of unauthorized use and unauthorized registration of the Epson trademark. Particularly in China, Epson has been seeking protection of its corporate brand for some time now through such measures as lawsuits and administrative sanctions.
Meanwhile, at the request of Chinese governmental agencies, Epson has also been actively carrying out educational and PR activities in the business world, at universities, and elsewhere to enlighten people about the significance of intellectual property (IP) protection, and has contributed to raising awareness of IP’s importance in China.
The recognition of Epson as a well-known trademark at this time is a result of the positive assessment of the business activities and trademark-protection efforts conducted by Epson and its subsidiary in China. It is proof that the Epson corporate brand has become widely recognized by the Chinese public. Epson will make full use of the benefits provided by this approval and, while making even greater efforts to contribute to the cultivation of the Chinese IP environment, will work to expand and solidify efforts to protect the Epson brand in China.
