AboutMichael A. Zakkour Expertise I can answer questions about manufacturing and sourcing products in China, including design, engineering, quality control, factory auditing, packaging, shipping and customs clearance.
I can also answer questions about Chinese culture, cross-cultural training and understanding, China business culture and etiquette.
I can also answer questions about developing branding and marketing and sales plans for your off the shelf or OEM products.
Experience President of China BrightStar, LLC a Sino-American manufacturing, sourcing and consulting company. Offices and factories in Beijing, Guangzhou, Ningbo and New York.
Organizations China Institute
Asia Scoiety
Publications National magazines and newspapers.
Education/Credentials B.A. in Communications
B.A. in Marketing
Seton Hall University, South Orange New Jersey
Awards and Honors Guest lecturer at Wharton School of Business at UPENN, Broad School of Business at Michigan State University, New York University's Stern School of Business
Past/Present Clients JC Penney, Philip Morris, Wal-Mart and a host of small, mid size and Fortune 1000 companies.
Question Hello Michael,
I have filed a utility patent with the USPTO and now I am preparing to mass produce my invention. Although my patent is currently pending, I would like to start marketing my product to potential consumers. I have found two companies in China to outsource my manufacturing to; both are willing to sign non-disclosure agreements. Do you think this would be a mistake being that the US patent laws do not extend to China? Should I apply for an international patent as well? Thanks in advance for your help.
Answer Hello and thank you for writing.
Before you even start worrying about the patents and IP infringement I hope you are not simply conducting business with these Chinese companies via phone and email. We need to discuss the dangers inherint in that if that is the case.
Most NDAs aren't worth the paper they are written on. It's all about the relationship you have with the supplier and the power you have within China to protect yourself.
I would also reccomend getting the International Patent. Its not easy but gives you much wider protection.
I look forward to learning more about your situation.
