China Cracks Down on Irregular Patent Applications

In a circular issued to the local intellectual property administrations and departments on 27 January (Guo Zhi Fa Bao Zi No. 1 [2021]), the China National Intellectual Property Administration asked the local authorities to provide better guidance so as to ensure that the quantity and quality of patent applications reflect the level of regional economic development, the needs of industrial development and technological innovation capabilities. Targets will be set scientifically, quality guidelines will be strengthened, and the guiding role of high-quality development indicators will be put into practice.

Irregular or abnormal patent applications not intended for the protection of innovation must be cracked down and dealt with severely in accordance with laws, regulations and policy provisions, and disposal measures must be taken as appropriate.

Source: China National Intellectual Property Administration