General mobilization in basic research

In a bid to boost basic research in the intensifying technology war between China and the U.S., Shenzhen, the southern Chinese technology hub, is making state-funded scientific equipment costing more than RMB 500,000 (USD 71,623) available to individuals and organizations for research purposes. Basic research is high on Shenzhen’s agenda, and the city plans to… Continue reading General mobilization in basic research

Security, Science and Technology

Political speeches and documents are known to provide valid clues to future developments in the PRC. Analysts therefore try to extract priorities and orientations from the phraseology, word choice, and frequency of terms related to the 20th Party Congress. In doing so, they also take into account minor changes in phrases that have appeared at… Continue reading Security, Science and Technology

Customs Recordation: Trademark protection by customs

China Customs is extremely active in combating trademark counterfeiting. In 2020, the General Administration of Customs seized approximately 56 million products that infringed on intellectual property rights – of which 99.37% infringed on trademark rights. In contrast to this enormous volume of counterfeiting is the fact that many multinational companies are not even aware of… Continue reading Customs Recordation: Trademark protection by customs

Establishment of Corporate IP Compliance

In the context of building a dual circulation system and creating a unified domestic market, China is guiding all enterprises to strengthen their compliance management to prevent business risks at home and abroad, promote modernization and transformation, and improve competitiveness. The compliance system is to cover areas such as market transactions, environment, human resources, finance,… Continue reading Establishment of Corporate IP Compliance

IP Compliance Guidelines

The Shanghai Pudong New Area Procuratorate has released China’s first intellectual property rights (IPR) compliance guidelines. The goal is to highlight IPR-related risks and drive the establishment of a robust IP compliance system. IP compliance includes patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The guidelines distinguish IPR risks according to their level. For example, changes in… Continue reading IP Compliance Guidelines

China Cracks Down on Bad Faith IP Infringement Cases

The Supreme People’s Court of the PRC is emphasizing the need to step up its crackdown on false and bad faith IP litigation. The relevant document is the “Opinions of the OVG on Strengthening the IP Litigation System to Provide Effective Judicial Services and Ensure the Construction of an IP Stronghold”, published on October 29,… Continue reading China Cracks Down on Bad Faith IP Infringement Cases

Chinese Patent Flood: AI-Powered Search Tool Helps

The ever-growing flood of Chinese-language patents is causing increasing problems for foreign patent attorneys, corporate research and development teams, and in-house counsel. With traditional patent searches, it is not possible to identify and review all relevant IP rights within an acceptable period of time. Limited keywords do not scan the entire technology breadth and may… Continue reading Chinese Patent Flood: AI-Powered Search Tool Helps

Intentional and Punitive Damages in IPR Infringement

Punitive damages are applicable in all areas of IPR infringement and have been steadily improving in PRC legislation in recent years. It is also part of the latest Five-Year Plan through the government’s stated goal of establishing a comprehensive IPR infringement compensation system. The Judicial Interpretation of Punitive Damages for Intellectual Property Rights to Punish… Continue reading Intentional and Punitive Damages in IPR Infringement

Burden of Proof and Damage Assessment for Trade Secrets

In the rapidly changing innovative fields of technology, the protection of trade secrets is becoming increasingly important. Legislation in China currently offers different approaches to better protect one’s know-how.  For example, the Interpretation (III) of Several Issues Concerning the Specific Application of Law in the Handling of Criminal Cases Involving Infringements upon Intellectual Property Rights,… Continue reading Burden of Proof and Damage Assessment for Trade Secrets

The New Stamp Duty Law also Reduces the IP Costs

On June 10, 2021, the new Stamp Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国印花税法) was passed by the National People’s Congress. It will reduce or even eliminate the stamp tax previously levied on certain legal documents, licenses or certificates issued by an administrative authority. The new law replaces the previous Transitional Stamp Tax… Continue reading The New Stamp Duty Law also Reduces the IP Costs