Protecting intellectual property when sourcing from China
China is first-to-file. File patents and trademarks before sharing with suppliers.
| Type | Coverage | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Invention Patent | Technical inventions | 2-4 years |
| Utility Model | Product structure | 6-12 months |
| Design Patent | Appearance | 6-12 months |
| Trademark | Brand name | 9-12 months |