Intellectual Property Protection Introduction
Intellectual Property (IP) protection in China refers to the legal rights and protections granted to individuals or companies for their inventions, designs, brands, and artistic works. These rights are typically categorized into several types: patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, etc.
Patents: Patents in China are granted by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). They give the patent holder the exclusive right to prevent others from making, using, or selling the patented invention in China. Patents are divided into three types: invention patents, utility model patents, and design patents.
Trademarks: Trademarks are registered with the China Trademark Office (CTMO) and protect brand names, logos, and other identifiers of business origin. China operates on a “first-to-file” system, which means the first person to register a trademark has the right to use it.
Copyrights: Copyrights in China protect original works of authorship, including literary, artistic, and musical works. The National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC) is responsible for copyright registration, although registration is not necessary for protection.
Trade Secrets: According to Article 9 of the Anti-Unfair Competition Law, a trade secret refers to any technical information or business operation information, which is unknown to the public, has commercial values, and about which the owner has taken secret-keeping measures.
China’s continuous opening up allows foreign investors to do more business. As Integra Group assists clients to invest in China, the most frequently asked questions are IP-related, such as what innovations can be protected under Chinese law and how.
China’s Evolving IP Protection Landscape
Over the years, China has made considerable progress in strengthening its IP protection framework. This progress is marked by stricter enforcement of IP laws, heightened penalties for infringements, and the establishment of specialized IP courts. China has placed particular emphasis on safeguarding the IP of foreign-funded companies, creating a suitable environment for foreign capital investment and new businesses.
In 2020, a new set of regulations, known as “The Foreign Investment Law,” was implemented, serving as the fundamental law governing foreign investment in China. The state, in accordance with the law, safeguards the intellectual property rights of foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises. Furthermore, it encourages technical cooperation based on the principles of voluntariness and commercial rules.
China has emerged as an IP-rich country, as demonstrated by the significant year-on-year increases in patent and trademark applications. As of 2022, data indicates that China held over 4.2 million patents, making it the first country to surpass the threshold of 3 million. This has made the protection of IP not only important to foreign companies but also to Chinese investors.
However, navigating IP protection in China can still pose difficulties, especially for foreign enterprises. Therefore, it is advisable for businesses to adopt a proactive approach in safeguarding their IP rights within the Chinese market.
Intellectual Property Registration in China: General Procedure
Patent Registration
It’s important to note that China operates on a first-to-file system, meaning that the first person to file a patent application will generally have priority over others. Therefore, it’s recommended to file as soon as possible. The entire process can take from months to years, depending on the complexity of the patent and the backlog at the CNIPA. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Patent preliminarily search
- Prepare & File the Patent Application
- Acceptance of application & Application fee payment
- Preliminary & Substantive Examination
- Grant and Publication
- Annual Fees
- Issuance of Patent certificate
Copyright Registration
In China, copyright is automatically granted upon the creation of a work and does not require registration. However, registering your copyright can provide additional legal protection and is highly recommended, especially in cases of infringement. Here’s a general procedure:
- Prepare the necessary documents
- Submit the application
- Acceptance of application & Application fee payment
- Examination
- Certificate issuance & Announcements on the website
Trademark Registration
Registering a trademark in China involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Trademark availability pre-checking
- Prepare the necessary documents
- Submit the application
- Preliminary Examination
- Issuance of Acceptance notice
- Substantive Examination
- Publication for Opposition
- Issuance of registration certificate
It’s recommended to seek legal advice or use an IP agent, especially for foreign applicants unfamiliar with China’s patent laws and processes. Integra Group provides Intellectual Property Rights advisory services and will assist foreign investors in navigating through the complexities of China’s IP landscape.
Contact us to ensure your inventions, trademarks, and copyrights are adequately protected and compliant with local laws.
