China's first famous trademark named after a village has gained recognition from the Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce.

The village, Nanjiecun, is located in Linying County in Central China's Henan Province. It has 848 households and 3,100 people.

The development of the village can be tracked by its many achievements.

In 1998, Nanjiecun was crowned as a famous trademark in Henan Province. In 2001, Nanjiecun was named among the top 10 potential trademarks in China and was among the top 10 most popular trademarks the year after.

To date, the village has set up 26 enterprises with combined fixed assets of 260 million yuan (US$31.33 million). It produces 160 products in 12 categories.

Last year, the village generated an output worth more than 2 billion yuan (US$240 million). During the past two decades, its economy grew 2,200 times.

"The trademark not only allows our products to expand in the domestic and overseas market, but it is also a State-class weapon to protect our intellectual property rights," said Wang Jichun, deputy Party chief of the village.

In recent years, the village has spent more than 3 million yuan (US$361,000) every year fighting against fake products.

Nanjiecun products range from instant noodles, condiments, beverages, pharmaceutical drugs to arts and crafts.

The products enjoy popularity in 28 provinces and autonomous regions in the country and are exported to a dozen countries including the United States, France, South Korea, Russia and Canada.

(China Daily December 25, 2004)