Rediscovering the Awakening Dragon, Part IV: A Fast-growing Force in IPR

Causes for the Thriving Cause

China's rapid development of the IPR cause was built on a solid foundation of a legal system with Chinese characteristics, and propelled by the Central Government's resolution and persistent efforts to freshen up the sector.

Externally, since joining the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 1980 and the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, China has become a member of more than 10 international conventions, treaties, and organizations related to the intellectual property rights.

Internally, over 600 patent agencies and ever-increasing practitioners brought a sound legal and administrative system of patents censorship, law enforcement and transformation into existence.

These combined constituted a solid basis, but the biggest factor that contributed to China's fast development of the intellectual property sector was the Central Government's persistent efforts.

Over the last 10 years, the Chinese central government has taken a series of effective measures to combat the IPR infringement.

On Feb. 4, 2002, the "Regulations on the Protection of the Olympic Symbol" was announced by the State Council.

On Aug. 2, 2002, the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Copyright Law" was promulgated by the State Council.

On Aug. 3, 2002, the "Enforcement Regulations on the Trademark Law" was issued by the State Council.

On Dec. 28, 2002, the State Council made a decision on amending the "Implementing Rules of the Patent Law of the People's Republic of China."

On Nov. 2, 2003, the State Council of China issued the regulations on customs protection of intellectual property rights.

On Sept. 17, 2004, the "National Defense Patent Ordinance" was published.

On May 18, 2006, the State Council of China promulgated the "Conservation Regulations on Information Network Transmission Rights."

On Dec. 27, 2008, the sixth session of the 11th Standing Committee of the National People's Congress approved the amendment of the patent law.

Since then, the Chinese government has ratcheted up its efforts in IPR protection, which were fast and efficient.

In October, 2010, the government initiated a nationwide six-month campaign to beef up the enforcement of IPR regulations and fight against piracy and protect patents, trademarks and copyright for a wide range of domestic and foreign goods. This was seen as the biggest "war" against counterfeiting in China waged by the government.

Since October 2011, the SIPO carried out a series of special actions to crack down on the IPR infringement and production, and selling of counterfeit and shoddy goods across the country.

Despite the fast development, China's intellectual property sector still has much room for improvement.

According to Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming, China has still lagged behind in IPR protection, and counterfeiting in some regions is still rampant.

"In the future, China will draw lessons from Western countries and place more emphasis on fighting against piracy," Mr. Chen said.

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