China Vows to Clamp Down on Trademark Trolls

Proposed changes to the law would affect firms such as Proview, which sued Apple for the use of the iPad name.

China has stressed its plan to change laws in order to combat "malicious" trademark registrations, which have allowed companies to misuse names and brands.

The proposed changes were announced after international companies and well-known individuals complained to the region's authorities. The country's legislature will discuss the amendment this week.

One of the more famous cases pertaining to the matter is China-based Proview suing Apple for the use of the name "iPad". It's a dispute, however, that ultimately led to Apple settling for $60 million.

Other cases include Michael Jordan, who sued a Chinese sportswear company for making use of his name, as well as French luxury brand Hermes International who has also submitted trademark complaints.

Should the amendment proposed by China come into fruition, it would offer more power to trademark holders by allowing them to ban the unauthorized use of their logos and name or ones that bear a similar resemblance.

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