Jiangsu-based Dewei Wood Industry and Shenzhen's Yekalon Industry announced in mid-June that they will jointly found a national floorboard patent alliance.

The alliance enables members to share patents,

integrate information and technologies and improve innovation at reduced costs, said Xiao Luqing, secretary-general of the Patent Protection Association of China.

With core patented technologies in the industry, the organization aims to protect the interests of China's floorboard makers and increase their influence in the global market, industrial insiders said.

Through cross licenses, a patent pool and a shared information service system, the industrial alliance is also expected to provide technology and funds to assist members in international patent disputes, experts said.

Co-founders of the alliance have experience in international courts. Yekalon prevailed in unfair competition litigation against global flooring giant Uniln in a Germany court early this year, while Deweil won a three-year patent suit against a Spanish floorboard maker.

"Domestic companies should study international rules and value industrial associations to better be positioned in global competition," said Ge Yuejin, board chairman of Dewei.

7-Eleven logo fashionable enough to pirate?

Globally known convenience store 7-Eleven has filed a trademark complaint with the Beijing First Intermediate People's Court against Dexin Fashion Development Co Ltd from Jinjiang, Fujian province.

The store chain claims Jinjiang's registered trademark looks similar to its logo in both appearance and pronunciation and alleges "a malicious act of unfair competition".

The 7-Eleven trademark comprised of four colors - yellow, green, red and white and registered in China in 1987 - is widely known in many countries across the globe.

The court case follows rejection by the Trademark Appeal Board of 7-Eleven's opposition to Jinjiang's trademark.

The board said Jinjiang's trademark would be used for clothes and evidence presented did not prove 7-Eleven's trademark influence extends to the garment sector.

(Source: China Daily)