Intellectual Property (Brand) Protection

Illegal use of brands, trademarks, copyrights and products has increased and become a serious problem for all companies. CONAN INTERNATIONAL has firm roots in China and has many global partners in various market sectors (pharmaceutical, fashion brands, electronic goods, automotive etc.) Our objectives are to reduce the risks associated with the infringement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

At CONAN, we believe we should stick to what we know best and do well. By retaining our IP focus, we can provide you with the services required to protect against intellectual property violations on trademark, patent and copyright. These services are designed to help corporations recognize and cope with the problems generated from the global counterfeiting phenomena. Deeply rooted in China, we have a special team that is dedicated to full surveys and general investigations against many industries in China, targeting fake and infringing products that affect our clients' interests. We have abundant experience in making full market surveys, tracing the sources of infringing products, and conducting legal actions with government authorities. We have pioneered and perfected techniques that have been used successfully to solve counterfeit, piracy, and gray market problems in the Chinese markets. We serve to protect against the increasing threat ofcounterfeiting.

The IP services we provide fall into the following four categories:

--Anti-Counterfeiting Investigations

We use a variety of methods to establish the existence of IP infringement. Our measures include surveillance, monitoring, market surveys, and sound investigation. Our strength is the focus we maintain on our clients objectives, despite any difficulties.

We ensure that the correct evidence is obtained in the correct manner. Advices are given by our lawyers for best ways to collect and preserve evidence, an important aspect in the Chinese legal system.

Our staff can advise on strategy and planning to prevent IP abuse and we maintain close client contact throughout all of our investigations. 

In general we offer a complete service which will culminate in enforcement and preventative action.

--Anti-Counterfeiting Planning and Strategy Design

Anti-counterfeiting planning and strategy design is the first stage of a successful brand protection program. At CONAN, we will map out all elements of the manufacturing process through the overview of client manufacturing and distribution operations. After analysis, we will provide our client with a thorough proposal for brand protection and product management in China.

Preventative Measures against Counterfeiting
Once any sighting on counterfeit products is found in the market, CONAN will immediately report the relevant information to our clients and draft a proposal against the infringement. Upon receiving instructions, CONAN will conduct a market research to discover the most suitable and available evidence needed to pursue an enforcement action. We recommend that three measures, decided case by case, Administrative Action, Civil Litigation and Criminal Enforcement respectively.

1.Administrative action

It is the most convenient and cost-effective way to combat counterfeits, this route ensures that the fake products are confiscated and usually a monetary penalty is made on the violators.

We have abundant experience working with the legal authorities in China nationwide to conduct raids and other enforcement actions, seizing the fakes and obtaining information about the source of goods being distributed

2.Civil Litigation

 CONAN has close relationship with the Chinese judiciary authorities and is fully acquainted with the IPR laws, legal procedures, evidence collection and enforcement of judgment.

We provide valuable services for our clients to file charges against any infringer involved in any IPR-related activity. Our investigators, researchers and analysts are dedicated to the collection and preparation of all necessary information and evidence to support the litigation. Our lawyers are responsible for the whole legal procedure, documentation, accusation, evidence and testimony presentation on behalf of our clients.

3.Criminal Enforcements

 In comparison with administrative enforcement, the impact of criminal enforcement is greater and offers a more permanent solution.

--Market Monitoring and Research

 Market monitoring and research is of great importance in building a case. The monitoring of markets activitives allows us to collect vital information. Regular updates and intelligence reports are issued. When counterfeit product is found, a test purchase is made and, as required, we contact the local authorities to ensure enforcement action is taken if needed.

--Commercial IP Services

 CONAN handles all legal matters relating to the IP rights in terms of trademark, patent and copyright providing the legal and IP rights consultant services for many enterprises. At CONAN, we offer commercial IP services including the filing of applications for the registration of trademarks, patents and copyrights. The disputes which we can handle range from judicial review of administrative decisions for conferring of intellectual property to civil litigation concerning disputes of patent, trademark, copyrights, domain name and unfair competition (including infringement of trade secrets). Our skillful and experienced IP service team has obtained many satisfactory results in some very complicated cases.

Financial Investigation and Research

Studies have indicated that more foreign companies would like to cooperate with Chinese partners to open new markets. Prior to this there is a mass of background information which should be studied. If companies are not prepared for all that China has to offer then they may meet some difficulties. Such problems; unfamiliarity with local customs and business practices and the lack of accurate background information may have an adverse effect on your plans You have to know exactly who you are dealing with and make an assessment of their reputation and integrity. To facilitate a smooth relationship and continuing cooperation many companies turn to CONAN to uncover fraud and other illicit activities.

At CONAN, we are perfectly aware of the importance of the credit services which are able to offer you the critical intelligence and accurate data you need to evaluate and audit the current credit situation of the target companies such as your clients, distributors, and your business partners. CONAN devotes itself to minimizing the credit risk and protecting smooth cash flow and factual sales income of our clients in the complicated business world.

The financial investigation and research we provide fall into the following four categories:

--Financial Investigation

Our financial investigators search for information on the integrity, financial health and reputation of an organization or company. This is done by probing public records and international databases covering patents, corporations, partnerships, contracts, news, business references, and trade publications.

Our investigations also uncover critical information regarding corporate documents, material contracts and agreements, the current or past financial status of a business or entity, pending or past litigation, taxation, insurance and liability, governmental regulation filings, financial history, and acquisition, partnership, or joint venture agreements.

--Fraud Investigation

 We have the specialized experience to effectively investigate any type of case. Depending on the situation, we may begin with a thorough preliminary investigation, followed by surveillance documented with admissible videotape. Accurate and timely reports and expert, credible testimony protect our clients against fraud of all types.

--International Trade and Follow Up

With increased off shorting of manufacturing facilities and suppliers and the globalization of the world economies, more and more firms are finding that their supply chains now span the globe as a matter of routine business. With this trend comes the very real need to minimize risks and loss by increasing and/or improving security measures of these vital supply chains.
At CONAN, we have the depth of experience in domestic and international supply chains including security planning, design and implementation of complex supply chain security initiatives for major global private sector and government clients.

--Risk Investigation and Risk Analysis

 We will investigate and identify areas of potential risk as well as highlight the need for business decisions to mitigate risk, provide insurance, or assume liability. Our consultants will analyze the current situation of any new market and assess whether business opportunities exist in future market.

--Consultancy Services

CONAN's experience and strengths in China's entrepreneurial community render it the capability to offer more value-added services. CONAN also offers entrepreneurs these important additional services:

• Provide suggestions regarding business development plans, financial management, organization structure and legal affairs

•Assist in structuring networks distribution and markets exploration;

• Assist in setting up training program for senior management personnel;

• Provide technology information, expertise and market research;

• Help establish strategic and corporative partnerships to achieve more competitive market positions;

• Introduce international and domestic investors who can provide additional sources of funding;

•Assist in mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring and IPOs.

Security

Addressing potential risks is the heart of security. At CONAN, we will provide our clients with strategic assessment planning and consulting.

The security services we provide fall into the following three categories:

- Physical Security (Sites, offices, factories)
- Document security
- Security Implementation Planning

As an example, CONAN provides risk assessment and consulting.

A risk assessment essentially will provide your company with a roadmap to implement a successful security program. The risk assessment is based on the interrelationship of four key factors: Assets, Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Safeguards.

Assets: Defined as the resources the clients are trying to protect whether they be physical structures, property or people. This is the major focus of the assessment

Threats: Threats must be identified and frequency rates assessed. Measuring the seriousness of the threat and the vulnerability of the assets is very important.

Vulnerabilities: Weaknesses in the present system or methodology which create opportunities for threats or intrusion are identified.

Safeguards: The following areas are addressed in reducing vulnerabilities and the impact of a threat occurrence:

Policy and Procedures
Physical Security
Electronic (Systems) Security
Security Personnel

The objective of a security assessment is to provide management with a report identifying the threats and vulnerabilities, review of security policies and procedures, reinforcement of existing protocols, recommendation of security measures and implementation of definitive solutions. We work with your company to establish performance measurements, standards, and tracking and reporting methods in line with your company’s requirements and expectations.