In spite of the increase in trademark registrations (4190 by the end of June 2009) by Yichang in Hubei province, 40 percent of registrations (1573) were actually not in use. The main reasons are that the owner of the trademark did not renew the trademark after 10 years, or they did not use the trademark for three consecutive years. Some trademarks are actually the decision of some investors who are trying to sell the registered trademarks for making profits.
Yichang local government is now exploring ways for use of these trademarks and has already established a database and online platform for trading of these trademarks.
