In 1997, the Hainan Industrial and Commercial Bureau had begun its first authentication program for the province's famous trade marks. Four trade marks, namely Coconut Palm, Cocowind, Sundiro and YST were certified by the bureau as "Renowned Trade Marks", widely recognized as nationally renowned names.

But many an unofficial attestation has been done in the province. These random certifications have seriously disturbed Hainan's normal market order.

The province has drafted the regulations to better protect intellectual property, in accordance with global standards, especially after China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The regulations give a very detailed description of the procedures applicable for certification of renowned trade marks. They give a comprehensive description of how to protect these renowned trade marks.

Government departments will take measures to provide more information to local enterprises about the regulations, bureau sources said. This will raise their awareness on protecting their trade marks.

These departments will guide the enterprises on how to adopt the right trade-mark strategies to make them more popular.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2002)