AI Protection through Competition Law

The Beijing Intellectual Property Court recently issued a landmark ruling that gives new weight to the protection of AI models under China’s Anti-Unfair Competition Law. In this case, Beijing Douyin Technology Co., Ltd., the operator of the popular Douyin app (known internationally as TikTok), sued Yirui Ke Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., the operator of… Continue reading AI Protection through Competition Law

Outflow of Intellectual Capital from China

The business model has been highly profitable: foreign companies invest in China, take advantage of its low-cost resources, and then export their products worldwide with attractive margins. In the eyes of the Chinese government, a similar pattern is now emerging in research and development—foreign companies are tapping into China’s knowledge resources through their R&D centers… Continue reading Outflow of Intellectual Capital from China

China’s New IP Regulation

China has issued a State Council regulation on the handling of foreign-related disputes in the field of intellectual property (IP), providing a framework for managing such disputes. With this new regulation, China has created a markedly more protectionist legal environment that goes far beyond traditional issues of industrial property rights. The regulation explicitly defines IP… Continue reading China’s New IP Regulation

Purchase data can be trade secrets

A landmark ruling in China has found that the purchase of data containing trade secrets can lead to legal consequences. In one specific case, Guangzhou Sanmou Motorcycle, a motorcycle manufacturer, acquired company data from the top ten motorcycle exporters through a contract with a data provider. This data included sensitive information of a competitor, Chongqing… Continue reading Purchase data can be trade secrets

Evidence in Case of Trade Secrets Infringement

To successfully prove a trade secret infringement in court, viable evidence is required. The plaintiff can prove various forms of infringement: The acquisition of a trade secret through illegal means such as theft, bribery, or fraud; the defendant’s disclosure, use, or permission to use the acquired trade secret; the breach of confidentiality obligations; or the… Continue reading Evidence in Case of Trade Secrets Infringement

Compensation for Trade Secret Infringement

The Beijing Intellectual Property Court has published a guide for the protection of trade secrets. This also deals with the possibilities of claiming damages in the event of trade secret infringements. However, protecting trade secrets in court requires a clear statement of the infringement and the resulting damages. Companies should ensure that they have all… Continue reading Compensation for Trade Secret Infringement

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