IPR Protection Demo Zones to Attract More Investment
The IPR Protection Office at China International Fair for Trades in Services. (PHOTO: VCG)
By CHEN Chunyou
China will establish a group of demonstration zones for intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, according to a plan released by China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) on June 22. It is expected to build about 20 cities and regions nationwide into IPR protection hubs before 2025.
In order to achieve the goal, the plan has six requirements, including strengthening the overall deployment of IPR protection, improving the legal level of IPR protection, strengthening protection of the entire chain, deepening the reform of systems and mechanisms, and promoting IPR international cooperation and exchanges.
The enterprises, industry associations, and social organizations are encouraged to participate in the global exchanges in the field of intellectual property, according to the plan, adding that the communication channels with the rights-holders at home and abroad should be improved.
The plan is also expected to improve the information notification and emergency response mechanisms for major foreign-related intellectual property disputes, and actively respond to the concerns of domestic and foreign rights-holders.
Strengthening IPR protection is a critical requirement for advancing China's innovation-driven development. According to CNIPA, the construction of national IPR protection demonstration zones will create a better environment for innovation, push different market entities to improve their professional abilities and enhance their awareness of IPR protection in the market.
In addition, it is a must for doing international trade. A better IPR environment would attract global enterprises to invest and start businesses in China, said CNIPA.
The Central Economic Work Conference 2021, held in December 2020, stressed the importance of building national demonstration zones for IPR protection, and the full use of their experience to improve the overall level of IPR protection. In March this year, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang further stressed IPR protection and application in the government work report.
The plan demonstrates China's stance on strengthening IPR protection, and equally respecting the rights and interests of domestic and foreign market entities, said CNIPA.
The construction of national demonstration zones for IPR protection is also an effective way to create hubs for IPR protection, while expanding China's opening-up, and bringing the benefits of innovation to people around the world, according to CNIPA.