State Council Promises Better IPR Protection

On January 13, the State Council released a national level plan for IPR protection and use to be carried out for the 13th FYP (2016-2020). The plan is aimed at improving the legal environment, enhancing market value and strengthening overall management of IPR in China. 

The State Council is looking for improvements in the legal system, quality, benefits, industrial upgrading, and international cooperation and set up 13 projects to help with implementation. Four of the projects are labeled "special" and will be conducted in the areas of IPR transaction and operations, public services, human capital incentive system, and culture. The other projects include IP law, IP protection, patent quality improvement, IP appraisal, IPR overseas, IP investing and financing, IP for public services, and establishing a new culture around IPR.