Intellectual Property

Parties to patent infringement cases relieved from burden of proof.

The Measures set forth provisions on the handling of patent infringement disputes, mediation of patent disputes, as well as investigation and handling of the passing off of patents.

Being proactive in planning rights ownership helps enforcement

A recent opinion clarifies issues of jurisdiction, evidence, and definition in criminal cases involving intellectual property. However, the new rules can only be effective if authorities maintain and enhance their enforcement efforts

NPC Standing Committee clarifies when a foreign law would apply to a foreign-related civil relationship.

Acceptance of applications for patent priority rights from Taiwan started.

Taiwanese applicants may file trademark priority rights in the mainland.

Rights in new varieties of plants of Taiwanese protected in the mainland.

Foreign investors remain concerned about China's indigenous innovation policies, especially since promoting strategic emerging domestic industries is likely to be a key focus of the country's next Five-Year Plan