Editor's note: Influential events in 2012 continue to shape the intellectual property industry and improve awareness, Zhang Zhao and Hao Nan report:

iPad trademark dispute

International electronics giant Apple Inc paid $60 million to Shenzhen-based Proview Technology in a court-mediated settlement that took effect on June 25, 2012, finally acquiring the iPad trademark on the Chinese mainland and putting to rest a two-year legal dispute over the name.

In 2009, Apple bought the iPad trademark from Proview's Taiwan affiliate through a UK shell company formed by Apple. The court eventually ruled that the deal did not include trademark rights on the Chinese mainland, finding they were still owned by financially troubled Proview Shenzhen.

Burdened with some $400 million in debt to eight creditors, the Shenzhen company battled for compensation from Apple to help repay its loans, said analysts.

The settlement paved way for Apple to release its latest iPad on the Chinese mainland market.

iPad trademark dispute sees progress

Trademark dispute could block sales of new iPad

Hearing ends without ruling over iPad name

Final verdict of iPad trademark dispute begins

Beijing audiovisual treaty

As the first international legal framework on intellectual property protection signed in China, the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances is expected to give a strong boost to China's efforts in IP, said Liu Qi, a senior publicity official.

 

It was also a milestone for audiovisual performers all over the world, he said.

Signed by 48 countries during an IP diplomatic conference held in June, the treaty is especially beneficial to developing countries, helping them build capacity in protecting performers' rights in the global audiovisual industry, he added.

Professor Wu Handong, a legal consultant for the Chinese delegation, said "the new treaty can help improve revision of the third amendment draft of China's copyright law as well as protect artists' rights and stimulate the cultural industry's development".

China hails signing of WIPO Audiovisual Treaty

'Reshoring' firms head for home

Trademark Law

The draft of the third amendment to the nation's Trademark Law was approved at an executive meeting of the State Council on Oct 31.

The new law is expected to simplify trademark application procedures, permit more forms of trademarks and provide greater penalties for violations.

Free online music coming to an end?

China convicts nearly 30,000 for IPR crimes

Trademark registration under scrutiny

China vows to protect foreign investors' interests

China tops list of strong IP filings growth in '11

Chinese firms more aware of IPR protection