A Brief Guide to Intellectual Property in Hong Kong

In Brief

• In Hong Kong, trademarks, patents, designs, and domain names can be registered, whereas copyright does not require registration.
• Despite being part of China, Hong Kong and China have separate legal systems; therefore, IP rights registered in Hong Kong will not be automatically protected in mainland China, and vice versa.
• Registration of IP rights has a deterrent value in itself, but to derive the full benefit of IP rights, one must enforce them, typically via a cease and desist letter prior to turning to the courts.