A group of intellectual property experts and scholars, accompanied by local IP officials, recently visited four companies in Hinggan League in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, to help them solve IP-related problems.

After having gained an understanding of the operation and brand development of these companies via communication and field investigations, the group provided detailed answers centering on such topics as corporate patent pre-review, patent layout, the writing of patent application documents, patent navigation and IP protection.

They also made suggestions to help companies deal with difficulties and problems when using and protecting their IP rights.

For example, Li Peiguang, a senior executive of a pharmaceutical company in Ulaanhot, raised the question of how to better protect their drug approval number. The company is affiliated with Otaqi Pharmaceutical, one of the largest and oldest private companies in the sector with an extensive sales network coverage in Inner Mongolia.

Xu Kuo, one of the experts, answered Li's question and suggested the company set up a dedicated IP protection department and further improve its IP management system to better protect the company's innovative achievements.

"The experts clarified our working ideas and the direction for further research and improvement," Li said.

In addition to answering questions, the group promoted and interpreted national and local policies pertaining to IP creation, protection and utilization during their two-day visit.

"We are aware of some deficiencies existing in our IP protection system, and after listening to the experts' advice, we have clearer goals and directions on IP protection and utilization," said a corporate representative at a meeting with the group.

Heyuan Biotechnology benefited greatly from the group's services. The company integrates the research, development, production and sales of water-soluble silicon products.

The company has a number of invention patents, including some filling gaps in the domestic market for water-soluble silicon peptide multifertilizer biotechnology.

During the investigation, experts gave the company technical guidance by analyzing its existing technological indicators and patent application conditions, and offered detailed answers on how to better establish its patent portfolio.

After the group left, the autonomous region's market regulation administration organized an online training program focusing on the common challenges of IP protection the companies put forward during the investigation. Nearly 100 local IP management officials attended the training.

Luo Jianzhe, an IP expert, gave a lecture during the training about the application of geographical indications.

A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization.

"Hinggan League, which is located in the eastern part of Inner Mongolia, has distinct regional characteristics and boasts great potential in developing GI products," Luo said.

He also proposed the local government carry out further protective registration of featured products in the league.