USPTO Hosts In-Person Seminar on Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement in China for Illinois Businesses

China has emerged as a key export destination for Illinois businesses, but with this opportunity comes significant intellectual property (IP) risks. Recognizing these challenges, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) organized an in-person seminar aimed at helping Illinois companies understand how to protect and enforce their IP rights in China and the United States.

The program brought together experts from the U.S. government, IP legal practitioners, and local business leaders to share practical guidance on navigating the complexities of IP protection in China’s shifting legal environment. Attendees learned about the nuances of safeguarding all types of IP, including trademarks, patents, and trade secrets, particularly relevant for small- and medium-sized enterprises exploring or expanding their presence in China.

Conrad Wong, Senior Attorney with the USPTO’s Office of Policy and International Affairs (OPIA), opened the session with an overview of recent IP developments in China, highlighting both challenges and emerging opportunities for U.S. rights holders operating in the region.

Sara “Macy” Skulman, Corporate Counsel for Intellectual Property at UL Solutions in Northbrook, Illinois, and Travis Johnson, Vice President of Legislative Affairs and Senior Counsel at the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition, provided insights into the practical aspects of IP enforcement and anti-counterfeiting efforts.

The afternoon segment focused on enforcement strategies within the United States, addressing civil litigation, investigations under Section 337 by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), and trade secret protection. David Gerasimow of Gerasimow Law in Chicago discussed these enforcement avenues, while Colin Colt, Attorney-Advisor with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Intellectual Property Enforcement Branch, explained border enforcement mechanisms to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the U.S. market.

This seminar was especially beneficial for Illinois business owners beginning to consider engagement with the Chinese market, equipping them with foundational knowledge to develop effective IP strategies. The program was conducted exclusively in person, with no virtual attendance option.

Continuing legal education (CLE) credits were made available for attorneys licensed in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, subject to approval by the respective state authorities.

The event was organized by the USPTO’s Office of Policy and International Affairs in partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service Chicago, the Illinois District Export Council, and the offices of U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and Malcolm X College. It formed part of the USPTO’s ongoing China IP Road Show series, which travels nationwide to educate U.S. businesses on intellectual property issues related to China.

For more information about the series and upcoming events, interested parties can visit the China IP Road Show homepage on the USPTO website.