State Council eyes intellectual property protection

State Council eyes intellectual property protection

China plans to establish an efficient intellectual property system by 2020 that will substantially improve the creation, utilization, protection, management and services of intellectual property, according to a State Council document released on Dec 22.

To achieve the goal, the government will seek to establish a cross-department meeting system, which is expected to be initiated by State Council leaders. Local governments are also encouraged to conduct tests on intellectual property management reform.

The government will facilitate simplified access for intellectual property services to secure their quality improvement. Meanwhile, the country will reinforce efforts to tackle infringement on intellectual property rights. Improved legislation and strict law enforcement will complement each other.

Furthermore, China will participate in more joint enforcement efforts with international organizations and foreign governments, making the country an important venue for settling international disputes regarding intellectual property.

Particularly, the central government will crack down on intellectual property crime cases that have formed an industrial chain.

Any intentional infringement on intellectual property will become part of the credit history of a person or an enterprise. Trade secrets, especially in technical cooperation or personnel exchanges, will be further protected through improved legislation.

The State Council also urges speeding up research on the protection of intellectual property in Internet, e-commerce and big data, and frame policies as soon as possible.

Moreover, a platform for trading intellectual property will also be established. The country will encourage social capital to invest in intellectual-property-intensive industries through market approaches such as private equity funds, and support them by boosting government purchases.

In addition, China will seek to improve the quality of patents by drawing inspiration from intangible cultural heritages, folk culture and traditional knowledge.