In response to the major policy measure to promote the development and commercialization of intellectual property (IP) rights by the Hong Kong Government, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions for Intellectual Property Income) Ordinance 2024 has come into operation effective 5 July 2024.

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various industries.  From enhancing efficiency in manufacturing to revolutionizing healthcare diagnostics, AI applications have become ubiquitous. However, despite its groundbreaking capabilities, there exists a contentious issue surrounding the patentability of AI technology.  While innovators seek to protect their AI inventions, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) presents significant challenges in obtaining U.S. patents for AI-based innovations.  This article delves into the reasons why AI cannot be patented by the USPTO and explores the implications of this limitation.

Have you ever thought about registering your trade mark in Hong Kong? It is not mandatory to register your trade mark in Hong Kong and it is actually quite common that businesses use a trade name or mark without obtaining any registered trade mark right at all. Registered and unregistered trade marks are both being considered as personal properties; but with a registered trade mark, a business can enjoy much better protection under the Cap. 559 Trade Marks Ordinance.

The Trade Marks (Amendment) Ordinance (the "Amendment Ordinance") provides a basis for the application of the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registrations of Marks (Madrid Protocol) in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, those provisions concerning trade mark rights acquired in Hong Kong under the Madrid Protocol are yet to be implemented. It is believed that the international registration system would be implemented in 2022-23 as said by the Trade Marks Registry of Hong Kong.

With the aims of implementing and deepening the "Reform to Delegate Power, Streamline Administration and Optimize Government Services", and of putting forward reform on the trade mark registration system, improving business environment and increasing the level of public services, Notice is given that