China and IP Trends

We tend to focus on intellectual property rights in the United States. But China is becoming a major player in both filings and enforcement of IP. As a result of its efforts to become a nation of innovators, China is becoming a popular place to file patent applications. From 2010 to 2012, patent applications in China represented 73 percent of the world’s increase in filings. According to a recent National Patent Development Strategy, China intends to have 2 million patent applications in 2020. (By comparison, the U.S. had 571,000 patent applications in 2013.) To achieve its goal, China has set up a number of incentives to reduce the costs associated with patent filings.

China and IP Rights Enforcement

China is also expanding the enforcement of IP rights. For example, as Shanghai has grown economically, so too has the focus on IP rights. This has led to an increase in cases involving intellectual property. Last year, 7,619 cases – an increase of 20 percent – were processed.

According to Mao Ronghua, vice-president of Shanghai High People’s Court, “Disputes in patents, copyrights, trademarks and unfair competition may become more frequent as the city aims to become a magnet for domestic and international talent.”

With changes in China, and throughout the world, it is more critical than ever that we think beyond our borders and consider the necessity of IP rights throughout the world.

Sources: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2015-08/07/content_21524598.htm https://www.innography.com/public/upload/files/general-files/Law_360-Participating_In_Chinas_Patent_System.pdf

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