China's First Sound Trademark Registration (Jul-2016)

China Radio International received on July 7, 2016 the sound registration certificate No. 14503615 issued by the Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC), the intro of the China Radio International becomes the first sound trademark granted in China.

The 40-second sound mark was first officially used as the intro of the China Radio International on July 1, 1998, and then the daily program would be broadcast after the intro. After the examination of Trademark Office, the sound mark is approved to be used in the 38th type of television broadcasting, wireless broadcasting, providing user access to a global computer network and the 41st type of radio and television programs, and radio entertainment, etc.  

The new Trademark Law, took effect since May 1, 2014, allows sounds to be registered as trademarks. Unlike traditional visible trademarks, sound marks help a customer from audio angles to differentiate a commodity or service of a specific origin. Regarding sound marks, the Trademark Office specifically issues “Sound Trademark Form and Substantive Examination Criteria (Trial)” to examine sound trademarks, and register those in conformity with the legal regulations and criteria.

With the registration of the first sound trademark, more sound trademarks are expected to be registered successively in the future. 

(Source: China Intellectual Property News)