Hong Kong Companies Recognised for Outstanding Achievements in Intellectual Property Management

Twelve Hong Kong companies with outstanding achievements in intellectual property (IP) management were recognized today (29 April 2005) at the presentation ceremony of the 1st Innovation Knowledge Enterprise Assessment and Award Scheme.

Launched in 2004, the Scheme was jointly organized by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the Guangdong Provincial Intellectual Property Office (GPIPO), with the support of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA).

The presentation ceremony was officiated by Mr John Tsang, Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, HKSAR Government; Mr Li Zhongduo, Director General of GPIPO, and Mr K K Yeung, Executive Director of HKPC.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr K K Yeung said, "With the globalisation of the world economy and the implementation of CEPA, IP management has taken on increased significance. The flourishing joint venture activities among overseas, Hong Kong and Mainland companies, especially in areas that incur high knowledge and IP contents, have made effective IP management a top priority for business collaborations."

"In addition, for manufacturers making their transformation from original equipment manufacturing (OEM) to original design manufacturing (ODM) or original brand manufacturing (OBM), their capability in IP management has also become a critical success factor," said Mr Yeung.

"Through the Innovation Knowledge Enterprise Assessment and Award Scheme, industry and business communities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong Province can enhance their capabilities in creating, protecting and capitalising their intellectual assets," he continued. "By recognizing outstanding achievements in IP management, the Scheme also promotes best practices and sets the benchmark for performance."

Following an IP management assessment and audit that covers invention and innovation, product commercialization, manufacturing and management processes, as well as information and IP asset management, 12 Hong Kong companies were recognised for their excellence in IP management.

The winning companies include Print-Rite·Unicorn Image Products Co Ltd of Zhuhai, Leo Paper Bags Manufacturing Ltd, Kingdom Fine Metal Limited, Mansfield Manufacturing Co Ltd, Dongguan Gaobao Aluminium Mfy. Co Ltd, Joyas Manufacturing Ltd, Ultra-Graphic Transfer Limited, Fujikon Industrial Co Ltd, Sun Micro Motor Technology Limited, SAE Magnetics (HK) Ltd, Ka Shui Manufactory Co Ltd, and Group Sense (International) Ltd.

Nine companies from Guangdong Province, which participated in a Best Practices Study under the Scheme, were presented with Certificates of Appreciation at the ceremony. The findings of the Study and the audit results of the winning companies will be consolidated into best practices and standards for IP management for Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises.

To further promote the IP management assessment model to enterprises in other parts of the world, Mr Yeung said, "Looking ahead, I am pleased to announce that HKPC and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore have reached a consensus to jointly develop a Mutually Recognized Model for IP Audit. The model will serve as a benchmark for IP management for enterprises in the Asia Pacific region."

After the ceremony, a luncheon was held where Prof. W B Lee, Chair Professor & Head of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU, delivered a talk on 'Innovation and Knowledge Management in the Knowledge-based Hong Kong Economy'. A seminar on the success stories of three winning companies, the latest IP policy in the Mainland and the Innovation Knowledge Enterprise Assessment Model was held after the luncheon.

For further information on the Innovation Knowledge Enterprise Assessment and Award Scheme, please contact HKPC's Mr T W Liu at tel. (852) 2788 5957, fax: (852) 2788 6045 or e-mail: twliu@hkpc.org.

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29 April 2005