Why Hong Kong SMEs are urged to get intellectual property licensing

"Before it's too late," warns expert.

According to Dr. Phil Fu, vice president, WTOIP Research Institute, UTC Group, SMEs in Hong Kong are innovative, but are lacking awareness in protecting their own intellectual properties. "I know some enterprises that are very proud of their own innovations, but they don't know how to protect their branding," he said.

What makes this more shocking is that when there is infringement among SMEs, it becomes a large-scale issue such that enforcing the law becomes an even harder task, making it more difficult for SMEs to protect their rights. Some are even suffering corporate losses in the process of protecting their rights too late. "It is high time for them to upgrade their branding and licensing protection," he said. Dr. Fu revealed this in the Business of IP Asia Forum held today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.