Rachel Tan (pictured) has become the third intellectual property rights (IPR) specialist to join rouse’s China practice team in the past three months. Her arrival follows that of Tim Smith as deputy head of Asia litigation and George Chan as consultant in the Beijing office.
Having previously worked in London for Field Fisher Waterhouse and Singapore for Drew & Napier, Tan will be a consultant for rouse in Beijing where she will provide branding and trademark advice, including brand strategy, trademark acquisition and policing, and trademark commercialisation, to rouse’s local Chinese and international clients.
The appointments demonstrate a fast growing demand for IP in mainland China - already the world’s biggest market for IP infringement work - as a result of China's commitment to cracking down on rampant piracy. The country has launched a number of nationwide initiatives to intensify IPR protection; last year, the government unveiled its Outline of National Intellectual Property Rights Strategy, aimed at promoting innovation and the use of new technologies by China's industries.
Most recently, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in a meeting with Francis Gurry, director-general of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), that the government would increase efforts to protect IPR.