Chenchen Liu Joins Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) Webinar to Discuss IP and Trademark Strategies for Canadian Companies in China

On January 22, 2025, Ms. Chenchen Liu, Manager of Business Advisory Services at Dezan Shira & Associates, delivered a keynote speech at a capacity-building webinar hosted by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) in Shanghai. Co-organized with the China Association of In Vitro Diagnostics (CAIVD), the event aimed to equip Canadian businesses—particularly those in the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) sector—with practical insights for navigating the Chinese market.

Moderated by Mr. Samuel Boateng, Consul and Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Consulate General in Shanghai, the webinar featured expert insights and actionable advice on key topics, including market dynamics, regulatory processes, product positioning, cross-border partnerships, and intellectual property (IP) protection.

Chenchen Liu’s presentation focused on helping Canadian companies understand and proactively address IP challenges in China. She emphasized the importance of early IP registration and a comprehensive protection strategy to safeguard intellectual assets and prevent infringement risks. Using real-world case studies, she encouraged IVD companies to register trademarks across multiple categories, such as medical devices, chemical reagents, and biotechnology, to ensure thorough protection and prevent competitors from exploiting regulatory loopholes.

She highlighted that planning IP strategies early in the market entry process is critical for maintaining a competitive edge. Chenchen also advised closely monitoring the market to stay ahead of competitors and treating trade secrets as valuable assets requiring strict safeguards. She also emphasized the role of employees as the first line of defense in protecting intellectual property and outlined the key IP types protected by Chinese law, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, geographical indications, and trade secrets.

The webinar also served as a prelude to the 22nd China International IVD Expo (CACLP), scheduled for March 22–24, 2025, in Hangzhou, China. As the largest IVD event in the Asia-Pacific region, the expo will feature networking opportunities, business matchmaking, and curated site visits. TCS plans to lead a delegation of Canadian companies to the event, offering enhanced support to foster partnerships and expand distribution channels.

At the conclusion of the webinar, Mr. Samuel Boateng and Ms. Lulu Mi from the consulate expressed their appreciation to the speakers. Participants provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, praising the session for its practical insights and actionable advice.

This event offered valuable guidance for Canadian and Chinese IVD companies, covering market dynamics, product positioning, regulatory requirements, and collaboration opportunities. It also strengthened cooperation between China and Canada, supporting innovation and partnerships in the global healthcare industry.

Dezan Shira & Associates remains dedicated to helping international companies succeed in China. Whether establishing a local presence, forming strategic partnerships, or navigating regulatory requirements, the firm offers tailored expertise to achieve trade and investment goals.

For more information about Dezan Shira & Associates’ IP and trademark advisory services, contact us.