Recently, CNIPA released the outline of its working scheme for 2020, stressing the following.

1. The importance of further improving the quality and efficiency of IPR examination. CNIPA aimed to reduce the examination period for high-value patents down to less than 16 months and that for trademark registration to less than 4 months.

2. Promote the intelligent upgrading of patent examination and search systems. Develop various modes such as centralized examination, priority examination, patent prosecution highway, and delayed examination to meet diversified needs. Form a long-term mechanism to contain abnormal patent filings and malicious trademark registration and hoarding. Promote the removal of subsidies and awards for the registration of utility models, designs and trademarks.

3. Optimize the applications of IPR. Promote the build of intellectual property operation system. Expand the scale of intellectual property pledge financing and promote pilot programs of intellectual property securitization.

4. Standardize the implementation of intellectual property standards. Continue to carry out special regulations targeting at patent agencies, standardize trademark registrations, and crack down on illegal agency. Promote the establishment of a value-added accounting and release mechanism for patent-intensive industries. Strengthen trademark brands nurturing.

5. Promote international cooperation in IPR protection, and hold the 13th China-U.S.-Europe-Japan-South Korea Directors Meeting of Cooperation of Intellectual Property Offices and the China-Africa Ministerial Conference on Intellectual Property in 2020. Deepen China’s involvement in WIPO affairs, promote global governance of intellectual property rights, and plan for future cooperation between the two parties. Provide technical assistance to developing countries. Coordinate and promote cooperation in various fields of patents, trademarks and geographical indications. Enhance the publicity of intellectual property development achievements. Offer more support for enterprises to obtain rights and protect their rights overseas.

Circular of the China National Intellectual Property Administration on the Application Scope of Relief in Relation to Time Limits for Handling Affairs Regarding Patents , Trademarks and Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits during the COVID-19 Epidemic

Under the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, the China National Intellectual Property Administration has issued Notice No. 350 on January 28th, 2020, clarifying relief measures for parties exceeding the time limits for handling affairs in relation to patents, trademarks and layout-designs of integrated circuits as a result of the epidemic. This Notice applies to all interested parties in countries and regions affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. Notice on relevant time limits are hereby given as follows: 1. Where a party loses its rights as a result of a delay in relation to any time limit under the Patent Law and its Implementation Rules or as indicated by the China National Intellectual Property Administration, and where such delay is attributable to any causes related to the COVID-19 epidemic, the provisions of Article 6.1 of the Implementation Rules shall apply. The party may, within 2 months after the impediment is removed, but no later than 2 years after the expiration of the time limit, request a restoration of rights. Where a request for such a restoration is made, no request fee shall be paid, but a request letter for restoration of rights shall be submitted to explain the grounds of doing so, relevant certifications shall be attached, and the formalities required to be completed before the loss of rights shall be carried out.

2. Where a party is unable to handle trademark-related affairs normally as a result of a delay in relation to any time limit under the Trademark Law and its Implementation Regulations or as indicated by the China National Intellectual Property Administration, and where such delay is attributable to any causes related to the COVID-19 epidemic, such time limit shall, save as otherwise provided under the law, be suspended from the day on which such impediment to the exercise of the rights occurs and shall continue to be calculated on the day when such impediment is removed; Where the party loses its trademark rights as a result of the impediment, a written application for restoration of rights explaining the causes attached with relevant certifications may be filed within 2 months after such impediment to the exercise of the rights is removed.

3. Where a party loses its rights as a result of a delay in relation to any time limit under the Regulations on the Protection of Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits or as indicated by the China National Intellectual Property Administration, and where such delay is attributable to any causes related to the COVID-19 epidemic, the provisions of Article 9.1 of the Regulations on the Protection of Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits shall apply. The party may, within 2 months after the impediment is removed, but no later than 2 years after the expiration of the time limit, request a restoration of its rights. Where a request for such a restoration is made, no request fee shall be paid, but a request letter for restoration of rights shall be submitted to explain the grounds of doing so, relevant certifications shall be attached, and the formalities required to be completed before the loss of rights shall be carried out. 4. Where a time limit for handling affairs in relation to patents, trademarks and layout-designs of integrated circuits expired during the 2020 Chinese New Year holidays, such date of expiration shall be extended to the first business day after the holidays pursuant to the arrangements of the General Office of the State Council regarding the Chinese New Year holidays.

Rankings of PCT patent filings of foreign companies that have entered China’s national stage for 2019

IPRdaily and the incoPat Innovation Index Research Center jointly released the Rankings of patent filings of foreign companies through PCT that have entered China’s national stage for 2019.

Among the top three of the list, Japanese company Mitsubishi Electric still ranked the first, South Korean company LG rose to the second, and American company Qualcomm dropped down to the third.

Data extraction: incoPat global technology analysis and operation platform Data coverage: PCT patent fillings that have entered China’s national stage from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.