State Council Issues Guiding Opinions on IPR Protection

On July 18, the State Council issued Guiding Opinions on Strengthening Intellectual Property Work under the New Conditions  (Hereinafter referred to as "Opinion"). The Opinions breakdown the work into 6 key issues, 28 specific aspects, and 106 detailed tasks, and they clarify the lead department and participating departments for each task, of which 42 are led by the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO).

The 6 key issues mentioned in the Opinions include:

    Improving reform of institution mechanisms for IPR management
    Carrying out strict IP protection
    Promoting commercialization of IP
    Strengthening overseas layout and risk control for IP in key industries
    Enhancing the cooperation level with foreign countries regarding IP
    Improve policy support

The Opinions also make reference to increased spending in an effort to better enforce for IPR infringements. Through raising the statutory compensation limit, promoting information disclosure, and improving protection mechanism, SIPO can handle IPR infringement more efficiently. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) will also make an effort to regulate IPR abuse by developing antitrust enforcement guidelines and relevant legislation.

As for promoting the commercialization of IP, the opinions state that they will improve the IP registration system and push for patent licensing reform.