Protecting your intellectual property through PRC customs includes obtaining a customs recordal, preserving the cargo, investigating and settling. The first step you should take is to make a recordal of your intellectual property, whether it be a trademark or in another form, at the General Administration of Customs. The second step is applying for protection when you are aware of infringing products that will be imported or exported. Although the Customs do have the authority to seize infringing goods without outside consultation or assistance, it is advisable that you inform Customs as you discover infringing goods, as they may not always be aware of the infringing character of the goods. Once the goods are seized, and the Customs officials deliver a customs preservation certificate to the consignee or consigner, and the informing applicant in writing, litigation may begin.
