BEIJING - The revised Trademark Law, due to take effect on May 1, will streamline trademark registration procedures and improve trademark protection, a senior Chinese official has said.

The new law will bring about significant changes to the current trademark management system, Zhang Mao, director of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, told Xinhua in an interview ahead of the trademark reform.

The examination period of trademark application will be shortened to 9 months, he said. This period was once as long as 30 months and was shortened to about 10 months last year.

Sounds can be registered and protected as trademarks in the new law, said Zhang. The sounds should be easily distinguished and recognizable. [ The law expands the list of activities that constitute trademark infringement and increases punishments.

China's top legislature adopted an amendment to the Trademark Law last August. The amendment strengthens intellectual property protection and ensures a fair market for trademark holders.