SIPO Deputy Director: China is willing to enhance intellectual property right (IPR) cooperation with other countries, but opposes accusations and abuse of IPR to exercise trade protectionism.

Gan Shaoning, deputy director of the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO), said at a press conference that since the reform and opening-up, China had established a complete and internationally-recognized legal system for IPR protection with Chinese characteristics, including both administrative and judicial protection, and that the system was something that had taken developed countries hundreds of years to achieve.

"Exercising strict IPR protection is not only a demand for the country to attract foreign investment, open up to the outside world, and pursue innovation-driven development, but also an essential requirement for upgrading economic and social development," Gan proclaimed.  "We are willing to enhance IPR cooperation and share our experiences of development with our counterparts across the world.  At the same time, we oppose unfounded accusations and abuse of IPR to exercise trade protectionism."

​Gan vowed to further strengthen IP protection and use of IP to encourage innovation.  Specifically, "China will increase compensation for cases of malicious infringement and crack down on infringement on IPR through revised and improved laws and regulations," Gan stated.  Gan said a guideline, issued by the State Council earlier this month, specified the goals and major tasks for the development of IPR during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020).

Interestingly, the plan calls for IP royalties earned abroad will rise from 4.44 billion U.S. dollars in 2015 to 10 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.  Stay tuned, as China continues its rise in importance in the patent world.  Not just in China, but in the West as well.

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