be safely assumed however that to patent holders Hong Kong
would not become a HOJE
attractive place to establish a manu-
facturing plant if patent rights could not be obtained here.
The international aspects of Hong Kong's participation in a recognised patent system
22.
The general framework for international cooperation
in patent matters was established in 1883 by the Paris
Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. It
guarantees the same protection for nationals of other
contracting states as a member state grants to its own
Furthermore, any person who has applied for
protection in one of the contracting states enjoys a right
of priority for 12 months for claiming similar rights in
nationals.
other countries.
23.
As a signatory to the Paris Convention, the United
Kingdom has extended the benefit of its provisions to Hong Kong.
Since Hong Kong is not a sovereign state it cannot itself be
a signatory. In view of the resumption by China of sovereignty
over Hong Kong in 1997, it is significant for Hong Kong that
the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress is
reported to have resolved on 14 November 1984 to accede to
the Paris Convention. It is to be hoped that after 1997
Hong Kong as part of China will continue to enjoy the benefits
of participation in the Convention.
/24.
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