China Intellectual Property newsletter (June 2026）
Updated 30 June 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/china-ip-newsletter/china-intellectual-property-newsletter-april-2026
This is an ad-hoc newsletter to inform UK stakeholders of recent developments in the Chinese IP environment. The content is collected from publicly available sources, where information is often available in Chinese only. Please feel free to forward this newsletter, and contact Leo.Zhuang@fcdo.gov.uk to be added to/removed from the distribution list. An ODT version is available on the embassy’s IP webpage.
We are pleased to share that a new business survey on international IP management from the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is now live. The survey explores how organisations protect IP when operating internationally and aims to build a clearer understanding of the real-world challenges businesses face in global markets. The insights gathered will help ensure that future guidance, services and engagement are more closely aligned with business needs. We would be grateful if you could circulate this survey across your networks. The survey is short and should only take a few minutes to complete, making it easy for businesses to contribute.
Businesses can access the survey here: take the survey. The survey will close at 5pm (UK time) on Friday 10 July. We appreciate your support in helping us gather valuable insights from across the business community!
Police and government
China’s legislative priorities in 2026
On 8 June, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) released the 2026 work priorities for regional IP offices. Across the country, strengthening IP protection and enforcement remains a central priority, with continued efforts to combat infringement and address abnormal or low quality patent filings. At the same time, there is strong emphasis on promoting the commercialisation and industrial use of IP. Provinces are advancing mechanisms to convert patents into productive assets, including technology transfer platforms, patent industrialisation initiatives, and IP backed financing tools. Within this shared framework, regional approaches differ. Beijing prioritises high value patents, skilled talent, and stronger legal protection. Shanghai focuses on its role as a global IP services and commercialisation hub. Guangdong aligns its IP strategy with manufacturing upgrading and export oriented innovation, while reinforcing cross border enforcement.
Read regional work priorities from CNIPA in Chinese.
Draft guidelines for handling administrative adjudication and mediation of patent disputes
On 25 May, the CNIPA published the draft guidelines on the handling of administrative adjudication and mediation of patent disputes for public consultation. The draft refines procedural and substantive rules, incorporating new mechanisms under the revised Patent Law, such as adjudication of major infringement cases, pharmaceutical patent early resolution (i.e. patent linkage), and open licensing. It also clarifies issues including noninfringement opinions, joint infringement, and the role of entrusted organisations.
In addition, it strengthens evidentiary standards and procedures, addressing party participation, online hearings, technical experts, and burden of proof, while further detailing infringement rules for areas such as partial design patents, traditional Chinese medicine, and standard essential patents (SEPs). Finally, it streamlines processes by simplifying requirements for foreign parties, clarifying case management and timelines, improving coordination between adjudication and mediation, and enhancing rules on confidentiality, recusal, and enforcement.
Read the full draft guidelines from CNIPA in Chinese.
China Copyright Protection and Development Report 2025
On 5 June, the National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC) released China’s Copyright Protection and Development Status 2025 in both Chinese and English. The report provides an overview of progress in copyright protection and aims to promote a broader culture of respect for innovation and IP. It is organised into four main areas.
The first reviews developments in the legal framework, including updates to the Copyright Law and related regulations, policies, and judicial interpretations.
The second outlines enforcement and regulatory efforts, focusing on key sectors, action against infringement, oversight of emerging business models, and the promotion of licensed software use.
The third examines copyright services and industry development, highlighting the role of administrative bodies and collective management organisations in registration, licensing, and transactions, as well as growth in copyright based industries.
The final section covers international exchange and cooperation, including China’s participation in negotiations, contributions to international treaties, and efforts to strengthen overseas rights protection.
Read full report from NCAC in Chinese and English.
China launches ‘Sword Net 2026’ Campaign to combat online copyright infringement
On 22 May, the NCAC along with three other regulators, launched the “Sword Net 2026” campaign which is a long-running coordinated effort to combat online copyright infringement from June to November 2026.
It aims to strengthen oversight of digital platforms, standardise online content distribution, and support innovation-led economic growth. Enforcement focuses on four key areas this year:
(1) film and TV, targeting platforms and practices enabling audio-visual piracy, including livestreaming and smart devices
(2) cultural and creative industries, addressing plagiarism, misuse of intellectual property, and unlicensed merchandise
(3) book publishing, tackling piracy across physical, digital, and educational materials, including illicit printing and unauthorised distribution channels; andd
(4) emerging technologies, particularly AI, focusing on unauthorised use of copyrighted content for training models and generating infringing outputs. The campaign emphasises stricter enforcement, public reporting, and stronger platform accountability, with penalties for large-scale violations.
Read more on the Sword Net campaign in English.
NCAC issues Model Copyright Licensing Contract for Book Publishing
On 5 June, the National Copyright Administration of China released the Model Copyright Licensing Contract for Book Publishing. The introduction and promotion of a standardised model contract is intended to guide parties towards more consistent and transparent agreement practices. By clarifying obligations and expectations, the model aims to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of all stakeholders involved in the publication process. It also supports better compliance in licensing arrangements, reducing ambiguity and potential disputes within the copyright ecosystem. This contract replaces the earlier “Standard Sample for Book Publishing Contracts” and provides a clearer structure for copyright authorisation and licensing procedures in the publishing industry, ensuring that rights allocation, usage permissions, and contractual responsibilities are more explicitly defined.
Read the full model contract from NCAC in Chinese.
Judicial updates
Beijing IP Court launches official English-language website
On 8 June, the Beijing Intellectual Property Court officially launched its English language website. The new platform has been developed to support the Court’s core judicial functions while enhancing its international communication capabilities. It provides an accessible channel for domestic and international users to understand the Court’s work, and access authoritative information on IP litigation.
Key sections include news, litigation guide, judgement resources, and about the court, each tailored to different audiences. The news section covers industry engagement, research, and international activities. The litigation guide, aimed at foreign litigants and legal representatives, offers practical, end-to-end guidance on IP proceedings, including document preparation and procedural requirements.
Access the English site of Beijing IP Court.
Case
Court clarifies limits of product shape trade dress protection in Crocs v Hotwind
Recently, the Jiangsu High People’s Court issued its second‑instance ruling in Crocs v Hotwind concerning the design of Crocs footwear. Crocs had sought protection for its designs as “trade dress of certain influence” under the Anti‑Unfair Competition Law (AUCL). Although successful at first instance, the appeal court overturned this, finding the claimed features did not qualify.
The Court set out four cumulative requirements for product shape trade dress protection:
(1) the shape must have significant market influence
(2) it must identify the product’s source to consumers
(3) it must not be purely functional; and
(4) unauthorised use must likely cause consumer confusion
Among these criteria, the second and third conditions are particularly demanding. Courts are not satisfied by evidence of popularity or commercial success alone. Instead, they require proof that the specific design has crossed a critical threshold, from being merely functional, aesthetic, or fashionable, to serving as a recognisable indicator of commercial origin.
Read more on the case in Chinese.
If you would like any further information on any of the above matters or to discuss Embassy support for your company in China, contact Leo Zhuang (Leo.Zhuang@fcdo.gov.uk).