The new Chinese Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) reveals China’s strategic intention to establish IP not only as a legal instrument, but also as a fundamental pillar of technological sovereignty and economic competitiveness. The plan aims to transform China from a user of IP systems to a leading designer and beneficiary.
To this end, IP legal protection will be significantly tightened by modernizing patent, copyright, and trademark laws and raising penalties for infringements to a deterrent level. At the same time, a comprehensive network of specialized IP courts will be created to guarantee expertise and consistency in case law.
Beyond pure protection, the strategy promotes the active use and commercialization of IP by creating platforms for transactions and valuation and supporting SMEs in particular in building their own IP portfolios. Central to this is the focused protection of strategic patent portfolios in key technologies such as AI and biotech, combined with the goal of helping to shape international standards through essential patents.
To curb IP theft, internal compliance measures in companies are being strengthened and cyber protection for sensitive data expanded, flanked by international coordination. The cornerstone of this transformation is the targeted training of a new generation of IP experts to anchor a deep awareness of the value of intellectual property as the core of any innovation strategy in the Chinese economy. This comprehensive realignment is intended to secure technological independence and sustainably consolidate China’s position in the global value chain.
Picture: Dall-E
China Intellectual Property Blog 