Cities of Jiangsu Province have strengthened their law enforcement and inspection to build a strong "firewall" for intellectual property (IP) protection. A series of actions were carried out to protect the Olympic symbols (such as Beijing 2022 logos, emblems, and mascots), which have improved people's understanding of Olympic IP and raised their awareness of IP protection.

Nanjing: Initial results achieved in strengthening protection of Olympic symbols

Recently, the Market Regulation Bureau (Intellectual Property Office) of Gulou District, Nanjing carried out a law enforcement inspection and handled a case of unauthorized production and sale of "Bing Dwen Dwen" cakes. The Nanjing Municipal Administration for Market Regulation (Intellectual Property Office) attaches great importance to protecting the Olympic symbols and has launched a citywide special action to protect Olympic intellectual property (IP). Since the launch of the action, the city has carried out 165 special inspections and 230 publicity activities in various forms, investigated 10 case clues from sectors, including clothing, footwear, headwear, and catering, and opened and closed four cases of infringing upon the exclusive rights of Olympic symbols (involving a total value of RMB 180,000 and RMB 445,600 in fines/confiscated money). These efforts are effective in maintaining the market order and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of right holders.

Wujin District, Changzhou: Make every effort to protect Olympic trademarks

Recently, Wujin District of Changzhou launched a special inspection on the illegal use of "Bing Dwen Dwen", "Shuey Rhon Rhon", and other Beijing 2022 trademarks.

During the inspection, a cake shop was found using the "Bing Dwen Dwen" pattern illegally. An investigation has been launched to look into the case and the shop will be punished in accordance with relevant laws. So far, the Wujin District Intellectual Property Office of Changzhou has assigned more than 20 law enforcement officers to the special action. They inspected over 10 business entities and two scenic spots and discovered two potential issues. The Office will open a case to investigate into these issues, and will step up regulation and law enforcement over commodities bearing Olympic symbols within its jurisdiction.

Xinbei District, Changzhou: Actively protect Olympic symbols

The Market Regulation Bureau (Intellectual Property Office) of the National High-tech Zone (Xinbei District), Changzhou has taken multiple measures to protect the symbols of Beijing 2022. First, the Bureau has ramped up publicity and education on IP protection to create a favorable atmosphere and promote awareness of protecting the IP of Beijing 2022. Second, the Bureau has strengthened regulation and inspection to deter infringement. Third, the Bureau has intensified law enforcement to fight and prevent infringement. In a recent unannounced inspection on key supermarkets within its jurisdiction, the Bureau checked the authorization documents of the businesses for using Beijing 2022 symbols, and gave unauthorized businesses admonitions and education about the misuse of Olympic symbols.

Zhangjiagang: Block unauthorized sale of Olympic masks

Recently, Zhangjiagang Market Regulation Bureau (Intellectual Property Office) received a clue that a medical technology company in Fenghuang town had been selling unauthorized masks bearing Olympic symbols on Pinduoduo. Law enforcement officers soon visited the company in question and inspected its business premises. They uncovered 11,000 disposable face masks printed with Olympic rings in the workshop of the company. Investigation found that the company had been using the logo without authorization, which constituted an infringement of the exclusive rights to the Olympic symbol. The Bureau handled the case in accordance with the law.

Tongzhou District, Nantong: Take resolute actions against infringing enterprises

On February 1, the Shizong Branch of the Market Regulation Bureau (Intellectual Property Office) of Tongzhou District, Nantong received a report that a textile technology company within its jurisdiction had been selling T-shirts with the "Bing Dwen Dwen" pattern of Beijing 2022 through its Tmall store, which was suspected of infringing the Olympic symbols. On February 8, law enforcement officers raided the production area of the company and found two automatic digital printers, one all-in-one pyrographic machine, 50 finished T-shirts with the"Bing Dwen Dwen" pattern, and 20 "Bing Dwen Dwen" pattern templates, involving a total value of RMB 2,250. The company concerned confessed to its illegal actions. At present, the case is still under investigation.

Chongchuan District, Nantong: Crack down on the sale of fake "Bing Dwen Dwen" key chains via WeChat Moments

Recently, the Market Regulation Bureau (Intellectual Property Office) of Chongchuan District, Nantong looked into a case of illegally selling key chains in the shapes of Beijing 2022 mascots—"Bing Dwen Dwen" and "Shuey Rhon Rhon"—via WeChat Moments. On February 6, a suspect surnamed Yang posted pictures on WeChat Moments, some of which with captions like "Bing Dwen Dwen sells like hot cakes!" and "only RMB 19.9 for both Bing Dwen Dwen and Shuey Rhon Rhon key chains". Upon learning about the incident, law enforcement officers acted immediately to verify the facts. The investigation showed that the key chains were purchased by Yang's WeChat supplier, Zhang, from a non-local discount store through WeChat Mini Program. Since both Yang and Zhang failed to provide relevant license documents, the Bureau has opened a case to investigate the incident in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Regulation on the Protection of Olympic Symbols.

Guangling District, Yangzhou: Crack down on the unauthorized sale of "Bing Dwen Dwen" cakes

Recently, the Market Regulation Bureau (Intellectual Property Office) of Guangling District, Yangzhou organized a special inspection for the protection of Beijing 2022 symbols. During the inspection of a small commodity market within its jurisdiction, the Dongguan Branch of the Bureau found that Bing Dwen Dwen-shaped dough sculptures and lanterns were for sale. The law enforcement officers immediately required the sellers to remove them from the shelves. When inspecting catering facilities, the market regulator found that a cake shop produced and sold Bing Dwen Dwen-shaped cakes without authorization, which constituted unauthorized use of Olympic symbols for commercial purposes. An investigation has been launched to look into the case.