Are you unsure how to navigate IP management in China or wondering where to begin? (06/05/2025)

Are you unsure how to navigate IP management in China or wondering where to begin? Book a 1:1 consultation session with us! Our IP Business Advisor will answer your questions about IP in China, provide advice, and help you improve your business plan.

Protecting Musical Creativity: Key IP Considerations for the Music Industry in China (06/05/2025)

In celebration of World Intellectual Property Day 2025, the China IP SME Helpdesk highlights the main IP challenges facing musicians in China today, offers practical tips for safeguarding music rights, and showcases the support initiatives available for international artists.

Guangdong court sets standards for AI copyright (29/04/2025)

The High People's Court in Guangdong Province issued the first judicial policy document which focus on the IPR protection of AI – this is the first such policy document issued in China. According to the document “Judges must accurately define the generated content's nature and ownership and rigorously examine corresponding evidence” according to the opinions. China is currently still developing laws and regulations around IP protection and AI.

Shen Changyu Holds Bilateral Talks with WIPO DG Daren Tang (08/04/2025)

China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), held a bilateral meeting with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). “The two sides also held in-depth discussions on topics such as the application of artificial intelligence in intellectual property, the formulation of international intellectual property rules for new fields and new businesses, with a series of consensus reached”

MOC warns IP infringement will face strict action (25/04/2025)

“Any illegal activities, such as false marketing, intellectual property infringement or counterfeiting carried out under the guise of 'OEM (original equipment manufacturing) factories' will be promptly reported to enforcement authorities for investigation and handled in accordance with the law, said the Ministry of Commerce.” This is another attempt from the authorities to more strictly govern the OEM sector.

EU appeals panel report in WTO dispute with China on anti-suit injunctions (22/04/2025)

On April 22th, “the EU appealed the WTO panel report in its WTO dispute with China on the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights”. “With this appeal, the European Union intends to reverse the panel’s latter findings, thus seeking to allow European companies to defend their intellectual property in European courts. The outcome of the EU’s appeal is expected in the second half of July 2025.”

CNIPA and HIPO Launch Focal Point Mechanism Pilot Project (08/04/2025)

The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office (HIPO) decided to jointly launch the HIPO-CNIPA Focal Point Mechanism pilot project, to assist enterprises from both countries in addressing intellectual property-related issues. The project will be in effected from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. Both countries set up intellectual property liaison officers for enterprises to contact.

Trade Fair | Beauty Istanbul (08/05/2025)

Trade Fair | Beauty Istanbul

Webinar | Securing Your Brand in China: Trademark Protection Tips and Legal Updates (13/05/2025)

Webinar | Securing Your Brand in China: Trademark Protection Tips and Legal Updates

Trade Fair | Food4Future (13/05/2025)

Trade Fair | Food4Future

Webinar | IP Protection during Trade Fairs in China (14/05/2025)

Webinar | IP Protection during Trade Fairs in China

Trade Fair | SIAL Shanghai 2025 (19/05/2025)

Trade Fair | SIAL Shanghai 2025

Trade Fair | The 4th China – CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair (23/05/2025)

Trade Fair | The 4th China – CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair

Event | IX Go Global Congress (28/05/2025)

Event | IX Go Global Congress

Share your IP journey (06/05/2025)

Please take a moment to complete this quick survey (only 1 minute!). With your help, we’ll be able to better understand the needs of EU SMEs and the IP trends in China, allowing us to provide you with even more effective support.

If you have any questions regarding IP in China please contact us at question@china-iprhelpdesk.eu (07/08/2023)

If you have any questions regarding IP in China please contact us at question@china-iprhelpdesk.eu

Navigating China's Personal Data Export Compliance: Insights from MNC's Successful Application for Security Assessment (18/03/2025)

In this article, the China IP SME Heldpesk external expert Mr Albert Tsui from Anjie Law Firm explains how foreign companies in China can comply with the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL). While this is from the perspective of large companies, it still gives a good overview of how to be in compliance with the PIPL.

Webinar | Understanding IP in China: Overview of IP Landscape (11/04/2025)

Webinar | Understanding IP in China: Overview of IP Landscape on 11-Apr

China strengthens IP protection to drive innovation and development (08/03/2025)

In the report of “the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate were submitted to the ongoing third session of the 14th National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, for review” in March. It shows that “Chinese courts imposed penalties on those using AI to infringe upon others' legitimate rights, in an effort to ensure the orderly development of the industry”.

Trade Fair | The 91st CMEF in Shanghai (08/04/2025)

Trade Fair | The 91st CMEF in Shanghai 8-11-Apr

Trade Fair | IE expo China 2025 in Shanghai (21/04/2025)

Trade Fair | IE expo China 2025 in Shanghai 21-23-Apr

China's copyright registration surpasses 10.6 mln in 2024 (28/02/2025)

In line with the data released by the National Copyright Administration (NCA) on February 28th, the total number of copyright registrations in 2024 in China was up 19.13 per cent year on year, surpassing 10.63 million.

EU Startups Summit 2025 (24/04/2025)

EU Startups Summit 2025

Ultraman AI Case in China: Defining Copyright Liability for Generative AI Providers (28/02/2025)

The competitive development of AI while ensuring copyright protection of the training materials is at the heart of legal debates when trying to regulate the use of AI. In this article, Dr. Leslie Xu, the China IP SME Helpdesk external expert explains the judgement of a copyright infringement case involving a generative AI platform and addresses the reference aspects for future cases and key compliance requirements that AI enterprises need to focus on.

What do you think about the International IP SME Helpdesks? (21/01/2025)

- ASSESS THE IMPACT OF THE IP HELPDESKS - The Commission would like to remind you about the targeted consultation on the functioning of the International IP SME Helpdesk activities in China, South-East Asia, Latin America, and India. The International IP SME Helpdesk services include helplines, training sessions, online resources, and publications to help businesses develop and strengthen their intellectual property (IP) strategies. This consultation aims to assess whether these helpdesks are meeting the needs of EU SMEs operating or planning to enter foreign markets. Additionally, it will also explore potential improvements to better serve these businesses, including feedback on the most suitable geographical locations and organisational structures for the services. This consultation is now available in 23 EU languages and will run until 11 April. #EUHaveYourSay

Update on IPD's new E-Filing System and Online Search System (28/02/2025)

The Intellectual Property Department (“IPD”) in Hong Kong announced that a new set of Trademark Forms, Patent Forms and Design Forms will come into effect from 16 May 2025. It means that from 16 May “any unsubmitted forms with the status “Ready for Submission/Payment” will return to the status “Draft” to allow e-filers to fill in the information required in the new forms. Registered e-filers are therefore advised to submit all their completed forms before 16 May 2025.”

Shanghai strengthens IP protection for foreign enterprises (25/02/2025)

Shanghai City emphasized that “the city has issued guidelines to strengthen industry self-discipline, enhanced the online monitoring of IP violations, and supported patent pre-examination and priority reviews,” concerning e-commerce and drug procurement sectors.

China shortens assessment time for invention patents (28/02/2025)

Patents usually take a long time before they are granted. The Chinese authorities have repeatedly taken measures to shorten the patent review times. In the current round of measures, the average patent review time has been reduced to 15.5 months. The CNIPA also announced that the average mediation time for intellectual property disputes under its guidance is now within 28 days.

TIPO Publishes 2025.01 Edition of International Patent Classification Information (28/02/2025)

The 2025.01 edition of the International Patent Classification (IPC) was published on TIPO’s official website on 5 February. It’s available in Chinese only.

Training | Intellectual Property Strategies for the Internationalisation of SMEs (04/03/2025)

Intellectual Property Strategies for the Internationalisation of SMEs

Training | Leveraging Innovation for Sustainable Development around the world (13/03/2025)

Leveraging Innovation for Sustainable Development around the world

Workshop | China Market Discovery Program (18/03/2025)

Workshop | China Market Discovery Program

Trade Fair | The 25th China International Petroleum & Petrochemical Technology and Equipment Exhibition (26/03/2025)

Trade Fair | The 25th China International Petroleum & Petrochemical Technology and Equipment Exhibition

Trade Fair | SEMICON China 2025 in Shanghai (26/03/2025)

Trade Fair | SEMICON China 2025 in Shanghai

Join the International IP SME Helpdesks on 13 Februay for the morning online matchmaking, and the afternoon conference! (13/02/2025)

This year the International IP SME Helpdesks Stakeholders' Conference will be hosted by the South Summit Scale-up Series. For the first time in Brussels, this event marks the first stop of the South Summit Roadshow as it journeys through Europe’s key hubs for SMEs and startups. In partnership with IE University, the Roadshow is designed to foster collaboration and strengthen the innovation ecosystem across major cities and it will bring together impact investors, innovators, IP experts, policymakers, top-tier investors, corporate leaders, and ecosystem champions. This is a fantastic opportunity to expand your network, connect with potential partners and learn from fellow SMEs and internationalisation experts. See you in Brussels on 13 February! Also, do not miss our online matchmaking event in the morning, where our IP Business Advisors will be available to answer all your question about protection and enforcement of intellectual property in Africa, China, India, Latin America and South-East Asia!

The Chapter on “Absolute grounds for refusal” of the Trade Marks Registry Work Manual has been updated as per the Log of Changes 2025 (02/01/2025)

The Intellectual Property Department of the Government of Hong Kong announced that “The Chapter on “Absolute grounds for refusal” of the Trade Marks Registry Work Manual has been updated as per the Log of Changes 2025”.

China's Med Tech Industry - Key Insights for European SMEs (21/01/2025)

The BCECC and the China IP SME Helpdesk are co-organising a webinar titled “IP Protection in China’s Med Tech Industry: Key Insights for European SMEs” on February 19, 2025 at 10:30 CET, which will explore the critical aspects of IP protection in China’s rapidly evolving Med Tech industry.

35th Meeting of China-France Mixed Committee on Intellectual Property Rights Held in Beijing (07/01/2025)

“The 35th Meeting of China-France Mixed Committee on Intellectual Property Rights was held in Beijing.” Two parties discussed “strengthening IP services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and artificial intelligence and IP” during the meeting.

Harsh penalties await scientific research fraudsters (07/01/2025)

China's top court issued guidelines to combat fraud in scientific research on January 6th. The guidelines “consist of 98 specific measures that aim to provide stronger protection for innovation and contribute to Chinese modernization by improving the quality of case handling. As an example, “the guidelines direct courts to address disputes related to trade secrets and the data economy.”

China addresses foreign enterprises' IP concerns: official (29/11/2024)

“From January to October this year, China authorized 92,000 foreign invention patents, a year-on-year increase of 5.3 percent. The registration of foreign trademarks in China climbed to 121,000, up 13.1 percent compared to the previous year.” CNIPA addressed at an official press in November.

Rise in foreign trademark registrations (02/12/2024)

In line with the data released by the CNIPA on November 29, “from January to October, 121,000 foreign trademarks were registered in China, up by 13.1 percent year-on-year. During the same period, 92,000 foreign invention patents were also authorized in the country, an increase of 5.3 percent year-on-year, the data showed.”

National Standard for "Geographical Indication - Basic Terminology" (10/12/2024)

CNIPA has approved and implemented the recommended national standard for "Geographical Indication - Basic Terminology (GB/T 44584-2024)". The standard includes 25 basic terminologies, including general terminology, recognition terminology, and protection terminology.

Abusing IP rights to harass genuine rights holder held to constitute unfair competition (04/11/2024)

Bad-faith trademark registrations make up quite a large portion of malicious IP litigation cases. These cases may often be difficult and drag on for some time. In this article, China IP SME Helpdesk external expert Ms Pei Lyu from Gen Law Firm shares a case demonstrating how a company fighting against bad-faith trademark registrations used the the framework of unfair competition law to defend their rights.

TIPO Launches New Trademark Search System (15/11/2024)

TIPO has launched a new Trademark Search System that “increases the number of displayed search results to 1,000 entries, reducing the need to repeatedly narrow search criteria”. This makes trademark searches easier.

Beijing IP Court releases white paper on judicial work in past decade (08/11/2024)

As the first specialized IP court, the Beijing Intellectual Property Court has handled 36,201 foreign-related IP cases, accounting for 17.92% of the total in the past 10 years. The court has also published a bilingual guide for verifying the qualifications of foreign entities participating in litigation, covering 18 major countries. The white paper can be downloaded via the QR code on the Beijing International Property Court website.

TIPONet Expands Online Services for Changing Applicants’ Representatives (15/11/2024)

TIPO has recently expanded their online services. It now allows patent and trademark applicants to modify the name of the applicant’s representative or applicant and their patent agent’s address online.

Police crack down on sales of fake goods (12/11/2024)

Recently, China has made more efforts in cracking down counterfeit goods on e-commerce platforms. “Before the "Double 11" online shopping event, which falls on Nov 11 every year, the ministry of Public Security said police have closely followed key facilitators such as livestreams and e-commerce platforms, to crack down on counterfeit sales.” Counterfeit sales tend to increase during the Double 11, also known as “the Singles’ Day” which is China’s largest online shopping campaign. Increased police actions during that time are much welcomed.

Trade Fair | Automechanika Shanghai (02/12/2024)

Automechanika Shanghai will take place from 2 to 5 December at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

Webinar | Navigating the New Patent Rules: Updated Patent Strategy for EU SMEs (12/12/2024)

The China IP SME Helpdesk organizes a free webinar on December 12th for all EU SMEs and the SMEs from countries participating in the Single Market Programme.

Civil or Administrative Action for Patent Infringement in China: Which Should You Choose? (14/10/2024)

Many SMEs may be wondering whether they should go with administrative actions or bring a civil suit to enforce their rights in a patent infringement case. In this article, Dr Jian Xu, China IP SME Helpdesk external expert points out some of the key principles which can help you decide whether to take a case to the Chinese courts or file a complaint with the Chinese IP Administrative Authorities.

EPO-CNIPA PCT pilot project enters new phase, enabling RMB fee payments for Chinese applicants (24/10/2024)

“Starting December 1, 2024, users of the CNIPA-EPO PCT pilot project will be able to pay international search fees in RMB directly to the CNIPA, as per the joint announcement by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) on October 23.”

TIPO Publishes English Version of Patent Examination Guidelines, Part II: Substantive Examination for Invention Patents, Chapter 6 “Amendments” (18/10/2024)

“The TIPO has released the English version of the Patent Examination Guidelines, Part II: Substantive Examination for Invention Patents, Chapter 6 “Amendments” to enhance the international IP community’s understanding of Taiwan’s patent examination process.”

Beijing court sees more copyright disputes settled (15/10/2024)

In recent years the Chinese courts have seen more and more digital copyright infringement cases. According to the official documents, the wide applications of new technology” have given birth to new types of IP disputes in the cultural field, bringing a big challenge for judges”. As copyright infringements get more complicated, authorities call for judges to carry out more research on the matter.

New System for Telephone Communication with External Examiners and Remote Video Interview Launched Officially on September 1 (18/10/2024)

From September 1, 2024, the TIPO offers a new three-way conference call system that invention patent applicants can use to facilitate real-time communication and exchange of opinions with their representatives, external examiners, and TIPO examiners. This would help to improve the quality of patent applications and make patent examinations more efficient.

Trade Fair | The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai (05/11/2024)

Trade Fair | The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai

IPR Workshop | China Market Discovery Program (05/11/2024)

IPR Workshop | China Market Discovery Program

Trade Fair | The 27th FHC Shanghai Global Food Trade Show (12/11/2024)

Trade Fair | The 27th FHC Shanghai Global Food Trade Show

Trade Fair | ProWine Shanghai 2024 (12/11/2024)

Trade Fair | ProWine Shanghai 2024

Go Global Alicante (13/11/2024)

Go Global Alicante

Get to know China: challenges and opportunities for Cypriot SMEs in the Chinese market (14/11/2024)

Get to know China: challenges and opportunities for Cypriot SMEs in the Chinese market

Trade Fair | The 26th China Hi-Tech Fair in Shenzhen (14/11/2024)

Trade Fair | The 26th China Hi-Tech Fair in Shenzhen

Hybrid event | Intellectual Property Protection in a Brave New Digital World: A Primer for SMEs (17/10/2024)

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, IP SME Helpdesk and EU SME Centre jointly organise the hybrid event on October 17.

China: Revised regulations emphasise importance of good faith amid strengthening litigation process (30/08/2024)

This article by the China IP SME Helpdesk external expert Leslie Xu focuses on the revised《Rules for the Implementation of the Patent Law and Civil Procedure Law》that were implemented in January 2024. “The discussion will primarily address the principle of good faith in the field of patent law and its connection to malicious patent litigation, as well as how the revision of civil actions involving foreign parties will impact patent litigations.”

TIPO Publishes the 2023 Compilation of Selected Court Decisions on Trade Secret Cases on Official Website for Public Reference (25/09/2024)

The TIPO published the 2023 Compilation of Selected Court Decisions on Trade Secret Cases in Aug. The selected 22 cases represent key issues like “the three elements of trade secrets, trade secrets infringement, and trade secrets-related rulings Court decisions”. These give SMEs a good idea of what to pay attention to when taking action in a trade secret infringement case.

Rule of law protects IPR and fuels innovation (02/09/2024)

September marked the 70th anniversary of the People's Congress System in China. On that occasion, this article reflects the development of China’s IP system.

TIPO’s Revisions of the Patent Examination Guidelines Took Effect on July 1, 2024: Part II Chapter 1, 3, 11, 14 and Part V Chapter 1 (30/08/2024)

On August 30, TIPO announced that the examination guidelines have been revised. The revisions aimed “for regulatory alignment, reflect changes in examination practices, unify interpretations, and improve examination quality."

Accelerated Examination Program for Reexamination (AEPRe) hits the road on September 1, 2024 (11/09/2024)

On September 1 2024, the TIPO launched “Accelerated Examination Program for Re-examination (AEPRe)”. The program provides a chance to the applicants to amend their claims if at least one of their claims was not rejected on substantive examination. “The applicants can receive re-examination results within six months after applying AEPRe.”

Webinar | IP Strategies and Market Access in China for Green Technologies (03/09/2024)

China has not only become the world’s top filer of patent applications but also the top contributor of green technologies. While China is one of the largest markets for green technologies, IP regulations and compliance requirements are different from the EU, making it sometimes difficult to navigate the market.

Court Mediation of IP Disputes in China (08/08/2024)

Many trademark and patent related disputes can best be solved via mediation. In this article the China IP SME Helpdesk external expert Mr. Paolo Beconcini explains the mediation process and how it could save European SMEs’ time and costs.

TIPO Revises the Operation Directions on Hearings for Trademark Dispute Cases, Effective June 11, 2024 (19/08/2024)

“TIPO has revised the Operation Directions on Hearings for Trademark Dispute Cases based on the Administrative Procedure Act, Regulations Governing Court's Handling of Remote Interrogation in Intellectual Property Case, and other relevant laws.” The aim of these changes is to improve and standrdise the hearing process.

Accelerated Examination for Trademark Registration Applications Takes Effect, Benefitting Applicants in Need of Rapidly Obtaining Trademarks (19/08/2024)

“On May 1, 2024, TIPO launched an accelerated examination for trademark registration applications specifically designed for applicants who urgently need to obtain trademark rights. [...] Generally, the first examination notice will be issued within two months after the application is filed.” This is good news for SMEs who urgently need to have their trademark registered in Taiwan.

China rules on its first trade secret case in the AI sector (13/08/2024)

Trade secret infringement cases are often complicated as it is difficult to prove that an infringement took place. This case highlights the importance of having strong trade secret protection protocols in place that not only help to minimise the risks of trade secret theft but also facilitate the discovery of trade secret theft.

CNIPA and Italy's Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry Sign MoU on Geographical Indications (02/08/2024)

Under the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Intellectual Property Administration of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry of the Italian Republic that was signed on July 28, both sides agreed to cooperate in areas including the exchange of laws and policies on geographical indications.

TIPO Revises the Program for Hearing Patent Invalidation, Effective June 11, 2024 (19/08/2024)

“TIPO has revised the Program for Hearing Patent Invalidation Cases based on previous experiences and industry feedback. Revisions also reference the Administrative Procedure Act, and the revised procedure will serve as the basis for future case examinations.” The aim of this is to improve and streamline the hearing process.