The Baker McKenzie FenXun (FTZ) joint operation has assisted International Fruit Genetics, LLC (IFG) in securing trademark registration for some of its most popular table grape varieties in the Chinese market, including Sweet Sapphire.
FTZ was also successful in carrying out enforcement activities against alleged infringers, assisting in evidence preservation and administrative actions against illegal plantations and unauthorized trading and promotion of IFG's grape varieties.
A local agricultural authority in Jiangsu province has imposed administrative fines for the illegal promotion of an IFG variety; meanwhile, a natural resources authority in Shaanxi province has ordered a local grower to cease the illegal propagation and trading of budwoods of an IFG variety.
“We are very pleased that we have been able to draw on our legal capabilities and strengths in advising on IP and plant variety rights issues, and successfully assisted IFG in safeguarding their IP rights,” said Andrew Sim, head FTZ’s plant variety rights practice in China.
IFG is the largest private breeder of table grapes in the world, owning varieties including Sweet Sapphire, Sugar Crisp, Sweet Joy and Sweet Favours.
The breeder’s goal was to eliminate the illegal plantations and unauthorized trading of IFG varieties in China, in order to protect the legitimate rights and interests of IFG and its licensed manufacturers and distributors around the world.
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