The largest part of my job is management of Sunrider’s extensive worldwide trademark portfolio. For those who do not know, a trademark is a name or symbol that lets consumers know where a product or service originates. This is really important here at Sunrider because of all of the time and effort Drs. Chen put into Sunrider® products. When someone tries Quinary® or Fortune Delight® for the first time, they learn the product names and see the Sunrider name and logo on the packaging. When they learn how these products are formulated and manufactured, they then associate those names and logos with Sunrider’s commitment to high standards. If they encounter the Sunrider brand elsewhere, they will automatically assume similar levels of product quality.
This is why it is essential to protect Sunrider’s names and logos worldwide. Working with two indispensable paralegals (both have been at Sunrider for over 15 years!), we maintain Sunrider’s trademarks in all affiliate countries (plus a number of other strategic countries). With the assistance of a number of international law firms, we deal with trademark offices in about 80 countries. We file trademark applications, which are reviewed, argued, and (hopefully) approved and registered. Sunrider has over 3500 trademark registrations worldwide, and almost 700 pending trademark applications. We also have a large number of ongoing trademark disputes, often trying to stop a trademark that is too similar to a Sunrider mark. With strong trademarks around the world, the Chens can promote Sunrider’s brands worldwide, opening and expanding markets for IBOs and ABOs.
Another large part of my job is reviewing all Sunrider labels and US marketing materials for intellectual property issues (yes, often in languages I do not understand). There is a legal difference between ® and ™, and I need to make sure the right symbol is used (and when not to use any symbol). Another lawyer and paralegal also must approve these materials; however they look at non-IP issues. I also file copyright applications to protect the text, images, and photographs in all Sunrider marketing materials—so that no one can use these without Sunrider’s permission. All of this ensures that all marketing materials and product packaging comply with applicable laws, do not infringe the rights of others, and are available for the exclusive use of IBOs and ABOs.
A growing part of my job involves the Internet. I manage Sunrider’s worldwide domain name portfolio and enforce Sunrider’s trademarks in domain names as well as Internet content. When you submit an English website for compliance review through the Internet Compliance Form, I’m the one who does that review. I have been an Internet server administrator (professionally and as a hobby) since 1993. As a “secret” computer geek, I have been able to assist Sunrider’s expansion into social media (including Facebook and Twitter). This background has also allowed me to participate in several organizations working to help strengthen trademark rights on the Internet.
A question that IBOs/ABOs ask SR employees at Convention is, “What do you like about working for Sunrider?” It’s a tough question for me to answer unless they know the details of my job, so I can now finally answer it here. My favorite part of my job is identifying new trademarks. When the Chens have a new product or idea, they need to choose a name. Because new trademarks cannot be similar to existing ones, the Chens suggest a number of names that I then search. I research trademark databases and the Internet, and let the Chens know which names may be available. Sometimes this involves several rounds, because some proposed names are not available for use. Once chosen, we then file trademark applications around the world. This is fun because I learn about products early in development, enjoy gaining some insight into the Chens’ thought process, and see how Sunrider continues to grow after 27 years. And no- I can’t give any hints about what’s coming up!
