“KENWOOD”, “建伍” recognized as Well-known trademarks (驰名商标) in China
Recognized as a familiar brand throughout the Chinese market,
KENWOOD’s well-known trademark status will facilitate the elimination of counterfeits.

Kanagawa, Japan, February 26, 2010 — KENWOOD Corporation (KENWOOD), an operating company of the JVC KENWOOD Group, has announced that its KENWOOD brand, which also appears as 建伍 in China, has been officially recognized — as of January 25, 2010 — by China’s State Administration for Industry & Commerce (SAIC) as a “Well-known trademark” (驰名商标) within the Chinese market.

Rationale

“Well-known trademarks” recognized by SAIC are essentially brands that have been officially recognized as being established and familiar throughout China. Now that the KENWOOD and 建伍 (KENWOOD in Chinese) brands have this status, the scope of protection afforded within the Chinese market is expanded. It is therefore easier to prevent unauthorized third parties from applying for registration, and to eliminate counterfeit products from the market. “Well-known trademarks” status thus mean strengthened and expanded brand protection.

KENWOOD’s car electronics, professional radios, home audio equipment, and other products are marketed around the world under the KENWOOD brand. Sales are growing in China, particularly for professional radios and car navigation systems. Therefore, the company has given priority to reinforcing its KENWOOD and 建伍 trademarks rights in China, and one way of achieving this was to seek “Well-known trademarks” status.

Official recognition of “Well-known trademarks” status for KENWOOD and 建伍 demonstrate that SAIC recognizes the achievements of KENWOOD in China, where it has actively pursued sales and brand activities over a period of many years. This is also a testament to the trust invested in the brand within the Chinese market. In the years ahead, KENWOOD will continue to enhance brand value in line with the brand concept of “Reaching out to discover, inspire and enhance the enjoyment of life”

Registered Trademark

NEXEDGE® is a registered trademark of KENWOOD Corporation in the USA, Japan and other countries.