China to Enhance IPR Protection Assistance to Rights Owners

On 16 June, the National Intellectual Property Administration issued guidelines for strengthening intellectual property rights (IPR) protection assistance (Guo Zhi Fa Bao Zi No. 22 [2020]). IPR administrations and relevant departments in all localities are asked to bolster their capacity to render assistance to rights owners, highlight priorities in IPR protection assistance and strengthen the support to the assistance scheme effectively.  

The guidelines state that pro bono assistance will be provided in all applications by individuals and organisations for protection of their IPR, including for patents, trademarks, geographical indications and integrated circuit layout designs. Assistance will also be strengthened in commercial environments, such as conventions, exhibitions and e-commerce platforms.

Efforts will be made to improve interaction mechanisms, strengthen technical support, and to improve overseas rights protection assistance, resources and information-sharing nationwide.

Source: National Intellectual Property Administration ​​​​​​​