China IPR SME Helpdesk
Project Overview
Location:
The EU and China
Dates:
Dec 2007 – Dec 2010
Funding Body:
The European Commission
Project Status:
Ongoing
The China IPR SME Helpdesk aims to support European SMEs in both the protection and enforcement of their IPR in or relating to China, through the provision of free of charge information and services tailored specifically to the business needs of European SMEs.
An increasing number of European enterprises face IPR challenges, especially in foreign markets such as China. SMEs rarely have the HR or financial resources available to dedicate to the protection of their IPR, especially considering the recent economic climate. The Helpdesk aims to be a first port-of-call for SMEs and focuses on providing the practical information needed to fill the knowledge gap related to IPR and challenging the perception that exists of IPR protection in China.
The Helpdesk reaches SMEs through creating strong ties with a broad network of industry groups, Chambers of Commerce, business intermediary bodies and Government institutions. Forming strong ties with the institutions ‘on the ground’ allows for optimum distribution of the Helpdesk services and also facilitates a strong feedback mechanism, which is incorporated into future project planning.
The Helpdesk has four main areas of focus:
Training Workshop Events: Highlighting the importance of the prevention of IPR infringement, the Helpdesk experts participate in 30-40 events in Europe and China, annually.
Outreach and material development: Working with our partners, the Helpdesk produces industry or IPR area focused guides which feature in printed and e-versions of network publications and make up the Helpdesk’s catalogue of materials.
Online portal: The China IPR SME Helpdesk Online Portal is the cornerstone of the project. A comprehensive portal provides instant access to all European SMEs who are concerned with IPR in China, wherever they are located. This resource includes a wealth of expert written IPR information and China IPR ‘e-learning modules’.
Customer Facing Helpdesk: If a European SME has a specific IPR query regarding the protection or prevention of their IPR, they can contact the Helpdesk directly via phone or email. Our China IPR experts will respond to their query within 7 days with the appropriate first line, practical, business advice.
