China unveils regulation on foreign-related IP case handling

The Chinese government unveiled a regulation on tackling cases of protection of intellectual property rights related to foreign matters in a move to provide efficient and convenient resolution mechanisms and services for citizens and organizations involved in such disputes.

The 18-article regulation, which was issued by the State Council, China's cabinet, on Wednesday, will take effect on May 1.

It required government departments to optimize the services of overseas IP information inquiry and early warning and clarified that they should streamline the workflow of handling of such cases and provide guidance for dispute settlement.

It highlights the importance of easy and efficient services in such case handling, encouraging commercial mediation organizations, arbitration institutions and law firms to join the effort to expand the channels for dispute resolution. In addition, it urges domestic enterprises to enhance their legal awareness, with the establishment of their internal rules and endeavor to educate IP talent, so as to reinforce their IP application and give stronger protection to their own IP rights.