In 2006, Shanghai will extend invitations to exhibitors, businesses, and investors for the World Expo 2010 Shanghai, and prospective participating countries are now concerned with how the city will step up its efforts to protect intellectual property rights (IPR) before the kick-off of the invitation process.

To address these concerns, the 2nd forum on“Legal aspects of Shanghai Expo”was held on December 20 this year, which was organized by the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination in collaboration with Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration, Shanghai Administration of Industry and Commerce and Shanghai Law Society. Key issues like the IPR protection of Expo symbols and Expo exhibits, and legal aspects concerning the commercial operation of Expo and the franchise management of the expo emblems were discussed on the forum. Mr. Yan Junqi, vice mayor of Shanghai, Mr. Zhang Qing, deputy director of the State Intellectual Property Office, and Mr. An Qinghu, director of the Trademark Bureau under the State Administration of Industry & Commerce attended the forum and delivered speeches respectively.

(Reporter: Dai Qian)